Question How to re-install new laptop

[catfishhoward]

I just bought a used laptop and there's a lot of programs and things on it I don't need and would like to wipe the computer info and the last owners information, programs and possible spyware (just like a fresh install).

Is there a way to do this without a backup or window xp disc/usb since they didn't send me a windows xp disc/usb?

Could I take a image or backup from another windows xp desktop and restore the laptop to that image or backup? If so, would it wipe all the old info from the used laptop?

 

[catfishhoward]

Dell Latitude D610. Microsoft Windows XP Professional Build 2600, Service Pack 3

 

[ex_bubblehead]

The ONLY legal source/s is Microsoft and/or the computer manufacturer (Dell in this case). Anything else is a pirate copy and you will receive no assistance here. Now, as Windows XP is long out of support you will find it very difficult to obtain a copy of the original installation media. My suggestion is to contact the seller and obtain the original CD/DVD that shipped with that laptop.

 

[USAFRet]

Additionally, an XP laptop connected to the internet is a very shaky proposition.

How much was this laptop? Hope not more than about $25.

 

[USAFRet]

In addition, a new install of XP won't activate. That function is long gone.

 

[catfishhoward]

I guess i'll uninstall all I can then run some virus scans and set a password on the laptop.

I only hook up to the internet 3 times a year for 5 minutes each time to download a cad-file when I'm out of town and there's now personal information on the laptop that I'm worried about so it's probably not an issue. I was just worried that someone could set up a virus to access the laptop when I connect to the internet.

 

[ex_bubblehead]

Any computer not properly secured against malware will only last 20 or 30 seconds connected to the Net and that time is rapidly diminishing. The D610 can easily run Windows 10, albeit a little sluggishly.

 

[USAFRet]

I guess i'll uninstall all I can then run some virus scans and set a password on the laptop.

I only hook up to the internet 3 times a year for 5 minutes each time to download a cad-file when I'm out of town and there's now personal information on the laptop that I'm worried about so it's probably not an issue. I was just worried that someone could set up a virus to access the laptop when I connect to the internet.

The cost of a low end current used laptop is likely less than the brainache you'll have trying to keep this XP thing running.

You can find a used recent model laptop with Win 10 for likely under $150.

 

[catfishhoward]

Thanks for the help but I have to have XP for the dos program in use in land surveying.

 

[USAFRet]

Thanks for the help but I have to have XP for the dos program in use in land surveying.

Then run XP in a VM.

 

[catfishhoward]

I tried didn't like it, plus I need the parallel port for the cad license. I should be okay just want to dump as much existing programs as I can and run some virus scans. Like I said I'm only hooked up to the internet for about 15 minutes a year and there wont be any of my personnal information on this laptop.