need laptop advice

[anstro76]

got my friends old sony vaio after he upgraded. still have my pc to fall on but dig being able to go places and still do things i cant do w/ my droid. i would like to wipe the slate clean on it and have it set to my needs..(music,vids,pics, forums and chat) will use my pc for all documents and office needs. what's the best way to go about this.
thanks in advance

[Gator_Tom66]

If you have a windows disk, I would suggest re-installing the OS. A clean install will get rid of anything the previous user has on it. But you need the disk and the code to activate windows. Often the code is on the back of the laptop.

If you are missing one of those pieces, go to the control panel and delete all the previous users. Then uninstall any programs you don't want..

Did you create a new user log on for yourself?

[anstro76]

yes but all the programs are still under the other name. and i don't want to get rid of any program i may need just 'cause i don't recognize it

[Gator_Tom66]

Originally Posted by anstro76

yes but all the programs are still under the other name. and i don't want to get rid of any program i may need just 'cause i don't recognize it

Gotcha.

Unfortunately some programs are user specific and need to be installed for each user. Some programs give an option during the installation asking of it should be installed for everyone or the current user.

When you say a clean slate, what do you really mean specifically? Are there programs you want to run but can't? So you want them under you so you can run them? Or do you just want to make sure the previous owner can't log in anymore.

[anstro76]

basically i'm obsessed with streamlined,fast computers..if i dont use it i get rid of it. so i figured if i start like it was brand new, it would be easier to customize for my needs..i don't care about the prev owner...we already have plenty of blackmail material on each other!

[Gator_Tom66]

Originally Posted by anstro76

basically i'm obsessed with streamlined,fast computers..if i dont use it i get rid of it. so i figured if i start like it was brand new, it would be easier to customize for my needs..i don't care about the prev owner...we already have plenty of blackmail material on each other!

His user profile and programs probably aren't slowing it down any, unless your hard drive is near capacity.

The best way to start like it is a brand new computer is to reinstall the operating system.

[HALLGATOR]

Originally Posted by anstro76

yes but all the programs are still under the other name. and i don't want to get rid of any program i may need just 'cause i don't recognize it

If you don't recognize it and what it does how will you know if you need it? Maybe take some time and see what these programs are. If they are freebies then you can always download them again in the future and more than likely it will be an updated version anyway. However unless your drive is overly full just deleting programs may not make much of a difference in speed unless they are set to run at startup.

[anstro76]

looks like ill just drop by and get the start disc...and go that route. hardest part is getting rid of all his pics i swear he has every photo effect program known to man. i was fine til i went to use the windows live movie maker from a vid off my digital camera and i got sound but no visual. tried all the other players but same result

[HALLGATOR]

If these programs you talk of are paid versions and you are interested in using them then I would be hesitant to just get rid of all of them. I believe there are other routes, like Tom suggested, that you could go.

[anstro76]

yeah, i think i'll start by getting rid of all his pics and music