Question about Restoring a Computer

[Squishman]

I bought a new desktop computer from Costco. Lenova with 32gb of RAM. That'll be nice. It arrives Wednesday. In the meantime, I am preparing to transfer files out of the old one. After I make sure everything is safely out and on the new one and/or an external drive, I will restore it, then sell it.
When I bought this current desktop, it had Windows 10 but I upgraded to Windows 11 around 2022. I also installed 16gb RAM (upgrading from 8gb) around that same time frame. My question is, if I restore it from settings, which OS will be re-installed? Hoping, of course that it restores with Windows 11.
If I have it correct, I won't be able to check the properties, i do not think. Because when it comes back up, i want to power it down at the very first thing, when it asks you to set your language. But If I have to proceed to find out for sure, I will. Then I'd just restore it a second time I imagine.

 

[TLS Guy]

I bought a new desktop computer from Costco. Lenova with 32gb of RAM. That'll be nice. It arrives Wednesday. In the meantime, I am preparing to transfer files out of the old one. After I make sure everything is safely out and on the new one and/or an external drive, I will restore it, then sell it.
When I bought this current desktop, it had Windows 10 but I upgraded to Windows 11 around 2022. I also installed 16gb RAM (upgrading from 8gb) around that same time frame. My question is, if I restore it from settings, which OS will be re-installed? Hoping, of course that it restores with Windows 11.
If I have it correct, I won't be able to check the properties, i do not think. Because when it comes back up, i want to power it down at the very first thing, when it asks you to set your language. But If I have to proceed to find out for sure, I will. Then I'd just restore it a second time I imagine.

Don't sell it with the current hard drive. You won't wipe it as clean as you think. Sell your computer with a new unused hard drive, and drill holes in your current one and take it to the recycling center.

 

[Squishman]

Oh ok. Dumb question: does the hard drive have the OS on it? Or is that located on a different component?
edit: nope. it is not on the HDD.

 

[Squishman]

Looks like what I am seeing with a new HDD is that it does not have the OS on it. So I am still wondering about my original question if anyone knows.

 

[TLS Guy]

Oh ok. Dumb question: does the hard drive have the OS on it? Or is that located on a different component?

Crooks can recover your data from a hard drive and will. Always destroy the hard drive before recycling or selling a computer. Honestly there is not much percentage in selling an older used computer. I destroy the hard drive and take the rest to the recycling center.

I wish you had asked me about that Levono, they are now junk. Not a good purchase at all. You said is what levova, but I'm pretty sure it is a Lenovo.

 

[everettT]

Looks like what I am seeing with a new HDD is that it does not have the OS on it. So I am still wondering about my original question if anyone knows.

The OS is typically partitioned or on a second drive. I've used this company"s software for transferring data and programs from one PC to another for about 12 years
EaseUS

 

[Squishman]

Yeah, that's it. I was typing on my tablet. Hopefully the new one will be better than what you say. I do not do gaming on it or any creativity, etc. So if it's not up to par for those aspects, it should be fine. I paid only $799 for it and most every other 32 GB unit is well over a grand.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Transfer your files and settings to a new Windows PC - Microsoft Support

Learn how to easily copy your files and settings to a new Windows PC.

support.microsoft.com

 

[Squishman]

Transfer your files and settings to a new Windows PC - Microsoft Support

Learn how to easily copy your files and settings to a new Windows PC.

support.microsoft.com

Thx!

@TLS Guy I did mean Lenovo. Are you saying Lenovo's are junk or whatever I typed on my typo above?
Here's the unit I bought. For my purposes, I bet it'll be fabulous. Plus, I like the slimness of the tower as it'll sit on top of my desk.

https://www.costco.com/p/-/lenovo-ideacentre-8-liter-tower-desktop-intel-core-i7-14700-windows-11/4000363400?langId=-1

 

[Cos]

• Your new Lenovo laptop will come with it's own windows software licenses, you will not be restoring your old version of windows with the new laptop
• Your profile settings and a lot of software will be in your user profile for windows
  • Make sure you save your login for windows (PW and six digit code) to login to windows to be safe
  • I always backup my documents / downloads / Music / Movie folders just to be safe
  • Backup your browser/windows password manager if your use it. I use 1Password, that is a third party pw manager
  • Backup your browser bookmarks (This is just to be safe, they should move over with your user ID)
• When you setup your Lenovo Laptop if will ask you for language choice, should be a non issue.

I understand everyone's concern with HDD security, there is an easy free tool you can use to nuke/wipe the HDD if you are passing/selling your laptop.

• Now if you save Crypto keys, your laptop holds government secrets, or you post all your bank account logins and passwords in a doc/txt file, keep the drive!

DBAN is a free program that essentially will nuke your HDD in a good way and wipe data that is nearly impossible to recover.

 

[Squishman]

• Your new Lenovo laptop will come with it's own windows software licenses, you will not be restoring your old version of windows with the new laptop
• Your profile settings and a lot of software will be in your user profile for windows
  • Make sure you save your login for windows (PW and six digit code) to login to windows to be safe
  • I always backup my documents / downloads / Music / Movie folders just to be safe
  • Backup your browser/windows password manager if your use it. I use 1Password, that is a third party pw manager
  • Backup your browser bookmarks (This is just to be safe, they should move over with your user ID)
• When you setup your Lenovo Laptop if will ask you for language choice, should be a non issue.

I understand everyone's concern with HDD security, their is an easy free tool you can use to nuke/wipe the HDD if you are passing/selling your laptop.

DBAN is a free program that essentially will nuke your HDD in a good way and wipe data that is nearly impossible to recover.

Thx. I have restored multiple computers over the years. I have an Acer laptop that I like a lot, but it's really only used for recording LP's. This new one and the one I am replacing are desktops. Not that it matters. Everything you said pertains regardless.
But still when I restore it, it will either revert back to W10 or 11. I guess no one knows what to expect here?
But I will shut it down at the first thing you see, which is to select your language. The new owner will set it up and log in with his own credentials.

 

[Cos]

• Just a quick add, Lenovo, HP, Dell, "insert brand" are pretty much all the same, it is hit or miss.
• Outside of my Apple MacBook Pro, the only PC brand laptop I would buy ,if not a gamer, is Framework
• They are easy to fix, upgrade and even though are a small company, they offer solid support.

I think Apple is the only brand I would buy (Yes, I am typing this on my Windows Desktop) They just make better laptops and since I only use for work, a no brainer decision.

 

[Cos]

Thx. I have restored multiple computers over the years. I have an Acer laptop that I like a lot, but it's really only used for recording LP's. This new one and the one I am replacing are desktops. Not that it matters. Everything you said pertains regardless.
But still when I restore it, it will either revert back to W10 or 11. I guess no one knows what to expect here?
But I will shut it down at the first thing you see, which is to select your language. The new owner will set it up and log in with his own credentials.

I missed the cue on this one, if you are going to restore your old laptop to factory new, and the install it is embedded in the laptop firmware, or they gave you an included USB OS it most likely will be windows 10, but not sure.

 

[Squishman]

I missed the cue on this one, if you are going to restore your old laptop to factory new, and the install it is embedded in the laptop firmware, or they gave you an included USB OS it most likely will be windows 10, but not sure.

Well that is unfortunate if that's what happens! Thx.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

• Just a quick add, Lenovo, HP, Dell, "insert brand" are pretty much all the same, it is hit or miss.
• Outside of my Apple MacBook Pro, the only PC brand laptop I would buy ,if not a gamer, is Framework
• They are easy to fix, upgrade and even though are a small company, they offer solid support.

I think Apple is the only brand I would buy (Yes, I am typing this on my Windows Desktop) They just make better laptops and since I only use for work, a no brainer decision.

Agreed with that. I had a terrible experience with the last few years with HP hardware (not HPE). Dell support is terrible, and the only thing I trust Dell with is monitors. Especially Alienware-branded monitors are awesome.
Lenovo makes plenty of junk, but their top-end and business hardware isn't terrible.
Framework brand is fairly new, but I do trust them to be easily repairable and upgradable in medium (3-5 years), maybe even the long run (7-10).
M-series CPUs on Apple laptops are simply in a class of their own. Nothing comes close in terms of performance/battery life. They aren't flawless. Especially pricing on upgraded memory/storage gets ugly very quickly.

 

[everettT]

Agreed with that. I had a terrible experience with the last few years with HP hardware (not HPE). Dell support is terrible, and the only thing I trust Dell with is monitors. Especially Alienware-branded monitors are awesome.
Lenovo makes plenty of junk, but their top-end and business hardware isn't terrible.
Framework brand is fairly new, but I do trust them to be easily repairable and upgradable in medium (3-5 years), maybe even the long run (7-10).
M-series CPUs on Apple laptops are simply in a class of their own. Nothing comes close in terms of performance/battery life. They aren't flawless. Especially pricing on upgraded memory/storage gets ugly very quickly.

HP bloatware is the absolute worst. Can't tell you how many of their products I had to wipe and start fresh for friends. Their software would just eat up resources.

 

[Squishman]

Since it will likely revert back to W10, I don't think I will restore it. I'll keep it for future reference if needed. That would be too much hassle if it did that. I'll shove it in a closet and forget about it forever I suppose.

HP bloatware is the absolute worst. Can't tell you how many of their products I had to wipe and start fresh for friends. Their software would just eat up resources.

Good thing to think about! Do you have a bloatware deleter that you can recommend?
If I find one, do I log in on the new computer first with my credentials, basically set it up, then click on a bloatware deleter? Does it matter when you actually do that?

 

[everettT]

Since it will likely revert back to W10, I don't think I will restore it. I'll keep it for future reference if needed. That would be too much hassle if it did that. I'll shove it in a closet and forget about it forever I suppose.


Good thing to think about! Do you have a bloatware deleter that you can recommend?
If I find one, do I log in on the new computer first with my credentials, basically set it up, then click on a bloatware deleter? Does it matter when you actually do that?

I personally don't as I haven't found anything that works outside of just deleting the program and editing in PowerShell, @BoredSysAdmin might have apps that work.

 

[TLS Guy]

Agreed with that. I had a terrible experience with the last few years with HP hardware (not HPE). Dell support is terrible, and the only thing I trust Dell with is monitors. Especially Alienware-branded monitors are awesome.
Lenovo makes plenty of junk, but their top-end and business hardware isn't terrible.
Framework brand is fairly new, but I do trust them to be easily repairable and upgradable in medium (3-5 years), maybe even the long run (7-10).
M-series CPUs on Apple laptops are simply in a class of their own. Nothing comes close in terms of performance/battery life. They aren't flawless. Especially pricing on upgraded memory/storage gets ugly very quickly.

I second that. I have just replaced my older laptop, with a Framework laptop, and it is first class with a really solid feel to it. When ordering you can order just order the parts you want for your intended purchase. That system is the way to go. My HTPC and DAW are custom builds from the ground up, with only top end components. Did I ever say, I really hate gear that gives trouble, absolutely hated and work hard to avoid it? In that, I have been successful on the whole, until Marantz ran amok except it seems at the very apex of the line.

 

[TLS Guy]

Thx!

@TLS Guy I did mean Lenovo. Are you saying Lenovo's are junk or whatever I typed on my typo above?
Here's the unit I bought. For my purposes, I bet it'll be fabulous. Plus, I like the slimness of the tower as it'll sit on top of my desk.

https://www.costco.com/p/-/lenovo-ideacentre-8-liter-tower-desktop-intel-core-i7-14700-windows-11/4000363400?langId=-1

I would try and return it, if you can. The most expensive purchases you can make are junk, and Lenovo are in the avoid by a country mile category.