Found a notebook in my home that is no longer used.
I don't want to sell it (I think there's too little profit on it).
Instead, I would like to format it, or bring it to the factory setting and continue to use it for private purposes.
Unfortunately, I can't find a suitable solution anywhere on the Internet, because I have Win7 on it, but I can't find a corresponding key, or I don't have a CD for it. I just want to have all files and programs deleted.
Is there any trick how to get a hard reset out?
I just want to quickly and easily delete everything without reinstalling Windows 7.
Again, it's a Lenovo G570. Is a slightly older notebook.
I thank you in advance!
If you have not saved any state secrets on the computer for which an enormous effort to restore would be worthwhile, you can easily de-install all programs, data and documents that are no longer required, or delete them and, if necessary, with a shredder program (freeware) empty the trash properly. Then your "bare" windows remains.
as far as i know, lenovo always delivered its notebooks with preinstalled operating systems and a small, hidden partition for recovery. You can select this restore at start-up, but which F-key has to be pressed is unfortunately not available to me.
the alternative is to buy a new win7 license, which can now be bought for 5-10 euro after the end of the support. The operating system is available for downloading from MS as well as from other sources.
then you completely reinstall windows from a new data medium (USB stick or burned DVD) and have the previous one completely deleted or overwritten during the installation.
Why do you really want to continue working with Windows 7? This is no longer supported, so there are no longer any security updates.
Alternatives would be: Windows 10 (should run without any problems on the device, activation keys for it are available for small money, for example at Hood.de)
Or a Linux distribution suitable for beginners, for example Linux Mint or MX Linux
But if you absolutely want to reset, have a look here:
Linux may want to load on it. Perhaps also use a VM, depending on the situation.
Look here: https://www.heise.de/...tKeyViewer With this tool you can read out the Windows 7 product key. Then write this down.
Since there's no support for Windows 7 anymore, I recommend installing Windows 10 on it. The Windows 7 product key is also accepted when activating Windows 10. It's still free. To install Windows 10, you first download the Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft website. You can use it to create a Windows 10 USB boot stick. You need an empty formatted stick with at least 8GB. Then simply boot this stick and follow the instructions of the assistant. It offers the possibility to flatten everything. When the activation comes, simply activate with the Windows 7 product key. The wizard also offers to create a Microsoft account. You should do that. The activation is then permanently saved in there. If you have to reinstall Windows 10, just log in again with your Microsoft account. Windows 10 will then be reactivated automatically. You no longer have to enter the key. If you then turn off all the desktop effects in Windows 10, it runs even faster than Windows 7.
Another option would be to install the Cloudready operating system on it. That turns any device into an extremely fast Chromebook for free. This works even with devices over 10 years old. Here is the download: https://www.neverware.com/freedownload You need the USB Maker and an empty formatted USB stick with at least 8GB. Then simply boot the created stick and follow the instructions of the assistant. He flattens everything and sets up the WLAN. Have the network key ready. After the installation there's a restart. Then simply log in with your Google account. In the browser settings in the Media Plugins section, Flash and codecs can be installed with just one click. Then you can also use DRM-protected content.
Recovery button (usually next to power port).
