[SOLVED] How can I reset a HDD to factory settings externally?

[UmarG]

I have an old laptop that I want to reset and give to someone else, but I need to reset the HDD first, such that it removes all files except Windows 10.

I've tried running Windows 10's built-in reset option (Settings > Update and Security > Recovery > Reset this PC), but it's failed everytime that I have tried (I've tried running it to remove all files as well as to remove just the files in C:/).

So, I decided to remove the HDD and format it using a USB 3.0-to-SATA adapter on my current laptop. But I'm not sure how to go about this without also removing Windows - is there any way that I can reset this HDD using the external adapter while retaining its Windows installation?

 

[CountMike]

I have an old laptop that I want to reset and give to someone else, but I need to reset the HDD first, such that it removes all files except Windows 10.

I've tried running Windows 10's built-in reset option (Settings > Update and Security > Recovery > Reset this PC), but it's failed everytime that I have tried (I've tried running it to remove all files as well as to remove just the files in C:/).

So, I decided to remove the HDD and format it using a USB 3.0-to-SATA adapter on my current laptop. But I'm not sure how to go about this without also removing Windows - is there any way that I can reset this HDD using the external adapter while retaining its Windows installation?

Why don't you just reinstall windows after deleting all partitions ? That should take less time than just going around deleting things.

 

[Deleted member 904905]

Full format and reinstallation of Windows is the only way to accomplish what you ask.

 

[UmarG]

Why don't you just reinstall windows after deleting all partitions ? That should take less time than just going around deleting things.

The main reason is that I don't have an installation disk for Windows and buying it is rather expensive - the windows that is installed came pre-installed on the laptop. I was hoping that I could wipe the drive without having to re-purchase Windows for it

 

[UmarG]

Full format and reinstallation of Windows is the only way to accomplish what you ask.

I was afraid of this 😬 . Thanks for the help @ex_bubblehead and @CountMike !

 

[Deleted member 904905]

If this is Windows 10 then you simply download the image from Microsoft.

 

[UmarG]

If this is Windows 10 then you simply download the image from Microsoft.

Oh OK, I wasn't aware I could do that without purchasing one - I'll look into that option. Thanks!

Quick question - How would I activate windows using this option? I don't have my old activation key lying around either

 

[CountMike]

Oh OK, I wasn't aware I could do that without purchasing one - I'll look into that option. Thanks!

Quick question - How would I activate windows using this option? I don't have my old activation key lying around either

W10 will activate automatically if it's on same motherboard.

 

[UmarG]

That's great! Thank you @CountMike - I will re-install it with that utility then. Thanks a lot for the help guys!