Factory Reset for Windows Vista laptop?

My dad is selling his laptop and wants to remove all the files and information on it. The software is Windows Vista. There are virus protection programs on there though. Is there a way to just remove the information and files but not the programs. Or do you just have to do a factory reset that takes those programs off? If so how do you do a factory reset? Thanks!!

Factory Reset for Windows Vista laptop?vincent

To remove all files - you can format.

Open My Computer

right-click C

click format

This will erase all files but an expert could possibly recover some information. The best way to ensure nothing can be recovered is to overwrite the hard disk with something like:

http://www.consumersoftwarereviews.com/c...

As for restoring your laptop to factory defaults, if you do not have the installation disks so you can reinstall Vista, I would contact the manufacturer before making a move.

Factory Reset for Windows Vista laptop?adware remover

if the computer came with disks, then dont worry, all you have to do is use those cds to erase the hard drive and install a fresh set, and itll install all the software that it came with it. if it came preinstalled, then there should be a program that allows you to burn a backup set, use those. make sure you give those disk too, because some computers only let you make one copy.
The laptop should have been sold with a "restore cd" or a copy of Windows Vista itself. Get that CD out and pop it into your machine. Be sure to have your Dad back up all his important files before of course.