Thanks for all the info. I'd actually done a bunch of searching for ways to wipe the hard drive without having to re-install the software. We upgraded from Windows Vista years ago, so while I have the product Key for Windows Vista, I don't have one for Windows 7. Yes, the laptop is THAT old! However, it is one of the last "Compaq's" made as they switched over to HP, and it has worked, and worked and worked, but no longer has enough memory or graphic capabilities for my use. My friend on the other hand, needs it for his daughter to do word processing on (I live in Belize, so giving my old laptop to someone who really needs it is much better than nothing, even though it is old!)
Needless to say, I just wanted to get ALL of my files off of there before giving it to him. I am STILL in the process of uninstalling all my programs (which I do have the CD's for so I can and have re-installed on my new laptop.) It just goes to show how well made that old Compaq is. I hope my current HP lasts even half as long!
Thanks for letting me know how to remove the restore points. I was wondering though - once I remove them - if he wants to set up restore points (or I'll probably end up doing it for him) will that 'bring back' my old restore points? Ugh! Pardon all the questions please, I normally would have had my husband do all this for our friend, but he passed away, and I am learning how to do all of this for myself.
Thanks for all the info and help, it is appreciated.