How can I completely wipe my laptop clean?

It was working fine but is now having constant issues, I tried a system restore to almost a month back but it still is having the same issues. I would just go return it but none of the Best Buys in VA have them in stock which kinda defeats the purpose of the extended 2 year warranty.

I want to know how I can make this laptop like new again, do I just put in the OS disc and go from there or what?

 

By performing a clean install.

 

How, steps?

 

I really could use some help on exactly how to do a clean install... I need to write a report tonight!!!

 

There's numerous guides on how to perform a clean install. What laptop do you own?

 

Gateway M-66864FX

 

Did you get any Restore or OS disc with the notebook ?

 

Yeah, I just read some of a clean install guide but it sounds made complicated with the downloading of new drivers, etc.

 

Downloading drivers isn't all that complicated, they'll be available from Gateway's site.
If you have some personal info in some folders, you can overwrite it using Eraser.
Rest, you can either reinstall Vista (?) using an OS disc, or the Bloated Disc you got with your notebook.

 

DBAN or use GParted to format the entire disk. Then put in the OS disk.

 

Put in your Vista OS CD.
Reboot your computer.
Choose a clean install.
Format your current Windows partition (you should have an option to do this)
Install Windows on that same partition after formatting.
Then follow the directions here to reinstall Gateway Recovery Center with which you can install your drivers (no external downloads necessary).

If you made a "restore to factory settings" disk from GRC when you got your computer, you can also put that one in. It is more automated and it will restore your computer to factory settings, including drivers and all, but it will contain bloatware.

I suggest going the Vista OS CD route vs a "restore to factory settings" CD route.

Ask if you have any more questions. Its a really easy process, its just a PAIN.

 

You should just start your report. If you don't know how to reinstall your os, chances are you're not going to learn in one night. Save it for a later date when you have enough time to research it sufficiently, back up data, find drivers, system updates,...all without f-ing up your machine. good luck

 

How is Best Buy extended warranty? Can I just go to the store and get it replaced no questions asked? How long does it normally take them to get more laptops in?

 

That's exactly what I was going to write. Do your report first then worry about reformatting and reinstalling your system.

 

I think an OS installation is a wear&tear kind of thing. Your warranty likely only covers defects, not the eventually sludge Windows seems to build up.

They will do it for you, but they will charge big bucks.

If you have a recovery CD given to you when you bought the computer, just put the CD in the drive and let it do its magic. Those cds are designed to be easy enough that my grandmother could do it (she did once). It will prompt you when any information is required (desired username & password).

All you need to do is make sure you back up your needed files & gather up the install cds for any software you need.

 

Follow the instructions here to use the recovery partition image on your hard disk. No CD's or DVD's required, but you may have to get rid of some bloatware.