Question about Restoring a Computer

[Squishman]

I want a 32GB and I do not have $1200-$1500 to spend. So, no. I am not returning it.

 

[Cos]

Just a note if you reinstall the OS on your old laptop, you can still update it to windows 11, my point was the software that came in the firmware or USB is most likely Windows 10.

• You can go with third party windows key sellers. I have used this on multiple builds. I found it on guru3d.com, it's like 15-20 US.
• You need to be careful though and check the seller feedback and return policies. I have used in 4 times w/o issue
• You do NOT need to worry about viruses being installed, because you go to Microsoft and download the windows 11 Software.

 

[Squishman]

Just a note if you reinstall the OS on your old laptop, you can still update it to windows 11, my point was the software that came in the firmware or USB is most likely Windows 10.

• You can go with third party windows key sellers. I have used this on multiple builds. I found it on guru3d.com, it's like 15-20 US.
• You need to be careful though and check the seller feedback and return policies. I have used in 4 times w/o issue
• You do NOT need to worry about viruses being installed, because you go to Microsoft and download the windows 11 Software.

Ok thx. It's not a laptop. ha.

 

[dolynick]

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.

This will depend on exactly what process you use.

There is the original laptop/desktop maker's factory restore, which would reinstall the original OS.
But there is also a simple Windows reset, which will essentially just reset/reinstall the current OS.

Both (or at least the Windows reset) will ask if you want to keep your files or not. Be aware that this is just a simple delete and not a secure erase. With a simple delete, the space is just marked as empty but the data is still there if you use the correct tools to inspect the drive space. This is what some of the others are referring to when advising to destroy the drive or use a secure erase program. I would expect that the secure erase program may well destroy the ability to reset or factory restore on the drive anyways though.

As for if Lenovo is any good... Depends on the model. Every brand makes some better models and some cheaper crappier ones. My family bought some very nice Lenovo laptops a few years back. No real complaint there. These were their higher end Legion series though and in a different price bracket. My opinion is that if you're shopping the lower end models, they're all going to be compromised in one way(s) or another. Doesn't really matter which brand. The question is if the compromises are a deal breaker for your use case or not.

If you like the features and specs of the Lenovo you picked up, and you're not finding it crippled with excessive adware and bloat, I'd say just stick with it.

 

[Squishman]

I just looked at the Legion out of curiosity. 8.3" wide. One criteria I was looking for was a slimmer width. The Lenovo I ordered is 3.5", which is perfect. And the Legion says it is "gaming". Certainly beyond what I need. I got the right one for my purposes.
As far as adware and bloatware, I imagine that crap is all uninstallable.

 

[Squishman]

Price was reduced from $950 to $799. Not too shabby.

 

[Verdinut]

I want a 32GB and I do not have $1200-$1500 to spend. So, no. I am not returning it.

A couple of years ago, I bought a used Lenovo T530 ThinkPad. So far, it has been functioning without any problem.

I was bugged quite awhile by Microsoft about upgrading to windows 11. I refused to upgrade every time I was receiving messages. Recently, they informed me that this laptop didn't have adequate hardware to switch to Windows 11. I know that with the Windows 11 OS, you will be spied on, and this is the reason why I don't want anything to do with Windows 11.

On my desktop, I'm using the free open source Ubuntu 24.04 Pro with a 10 year support. It is a Linux distribution OS, and It takes a little period of time to get acquainted with it, the commands are more complicated for instance. It's a very stable OS with frequent protection updates. Overall, I like it and I will eventually abandon the Windows 10 OS on the Lenovo and replace it with the Ubuntu product, which has not been subjected to malware to date. Also, with an open source product, the risk of being spied on is IMO unlikely.

 

[TLS Guy]

A couple of years ago, I bought a used Lenovo T530 ThinkPad. So far, it has been functioning without any problem.

I was bugged quite awhile by Microsoft about upgrading to windows 11. I refused to upgrade every time I was receiving messages. Recently, they informed me that this laptop didn't have adequate hardware to switch to Windows 11. I know that with the Windows 11 OS, you will be spied on, and this is the reason why I don't want anything to do with Windows 11.

On my desktop, I'm using the free open source Ubuntu 24.04 Pro with a 10 year support. It is a Linux distribution OS, and It takes a little period of time to get acquainted with it, the commands are more complicated for instance. It's a very stable OS with frequent protection updates. Overall, I like it and I will eventually abandon the Windows 10 OS on the Lenovo and replace it with the Ubuntu product, which has not been subjected to malware to date. Also, with an open source product, the risk of being spied on is IMO unlikely.

I had Lenovo, three laptops ago, and it was fine, but they have gone way down hill since then.