Refurb PC - Do You Clean Install The OS or Trust The Seller?

• 

  ozhunter on 21/02/2021 - 11:35

  +4

  It could be fine, but clean install for peace of mind. Easy to do, and doesn't take long

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  OverburdenedWarrior on 21/02/2021 - 11:37

  +4

  Always a clean install. Not only for security reasons, but because you don't know what's already been done (naming the PC, windows autologin, registry tweaks, control panel settings, etc).

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  bazingaa on 21/02/2021 - 11:43

  +6

  Clean install and remove bloatware

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  apsilon on 21/02/2021 - 11:44

  +5

  Absolutely only a clean install. I don't even use OEM installs (though that's more because of unwanted bloatware than security but I have seen instances of virus distributed via the OEMs install).

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  Mechz on 21/02/2021 - 12:11

  +1

  Install from scratch and be sure to delete all existing partitions during setup.

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  Jugganautx on 21/02/2021 - 13:50

  At the very least a factory reset.

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  FireRunner on 21/02/2021 - 15:37

  I generally upgrade the storage because they usually have it installed on a HDD or a cheapo tiny SSD.
  So a fresh install on a new drive.

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  mapax on 21/02/2021 - 21:16

  Good to see that I’m not being paranoid.

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  the Unforgiven on 22/02/2021 - 10:32

  go to teamOS & get a new OS to install

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  mapax on 22/02/2021 - 11:44

  Curious to hear from the person who voted trust the seller, surely that’s got to be a joke vote?
  Or are you working on the assumption the seller is a “professional” and “should” know what they’re doing?

  • 

    admira on 22/02/2021 - 16:42

    Not everyone knows how to blow away partitions and build from scratch. My parents would absolutely just buy from dell/hp etc and then use it as it is.

    Just to clarify that wasn't my vote, I would absolutely reinstall from scratch. But I know most people who ask me to help them with their PC problems have not done that from what I can see.