Returning Laptop to store did not come with OS dvd... how do I clear my data safely?

things did not really work out with my Lenevo G575, so I need to take it back to a B + M store. should I burn the recovery discs or is that illegal/wrong , since I will not longer own the laptop? aren't there limits on the number of discs you can burn?

 

It's depends what laptop you purchased. Look at the user's guide on how to perform a factory reset. It will delete all your data and return the laptop to the way it left the factory.

 

I'm not sure on the G Series from Lenovo, but with ThinkPads I know that you can only burn one set from the recovery software. If this also applies to the G575 then the question is do you have any personal files, programs on that machine? If so then I would advise making the recovery set, use a software such as DBAN to clean out the drive securely and then use the Recovery Discs to put the original image back on.

Also I think its fair that should you return the system, also bundle in the Recovery Discs that you made just in case the G575 may get resold to a new unsuspecting buyer.

 

I guess that what I will try, I will include them but try and hide them between the manuals so they don't ask any questions... if anything there going to have to provide the new customer with some sort of soloution. I would not even bother but I have some writing projects and LOTS of passwords all over the machine. thanks for the tip on dban, its scary to even have some like that Its like the "red button" of programs. very cool.

 

Usually in the case of no OS dvd disc, laptops that came preinstalled have a recovery partition.
You simply need to run the recovery during boot-up or in Windows.
That will restore your computer to the way it was when you first got it.

If you want to make sure to completely get rid of your data though, can install Ccleaner and use it to wipe the free space.

 

I see the recovery portion, but when I browse it via my computer I just see "apps" and "drivers" I will try changing the boot order when I restart. Hopefully that will work?!

 

Why wasting disks if you no longer use a notebook, and the same model at that eventually when you change your mind?

cheers ...

 

There should be an option to boot into the recovery partition, usually F11. From there, you can run a factory restore. Hope that helps and works out for you!