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It seems my old work laptop isn't going back so it stays with me. So, is there an easy way to clear it back down to not be logging onto my work network and leaving it with Windows / office in a usable state?
It will become my display/access point to Traineroad and Zwift after.
You are dealing with "del *.*" "copy" "paste" level of ability here.
A work machine is likely to have all manner of anti virus, malware, security, management software over and above what you actually need. Ideally get an install disc and reinstall Windows from scratch.
in w10 you can go into settings and tel it to basically factory reset, not sure if that's available on older versions of windows.
If it's an old company machine that they are letting you have, you should check if the BIOS/UEFI is protected with a password. If so I'd ask IT to remove that as it might cause you grief later on if you need to change something.
Other than that you will likely need some media (DVD or USB stick) with a base Windows install. Company machines often have an Enterprise Edition installed even if they have a sticker with an OEM Pro or Home Edition. If your company has done something like this e.g. installed Enterprise Edition using the company licence you ought to remove it, if it is no longer considered company property...
...not that anyone would likely care.
TBH where I work if they did this kind of thing IT would insist on cleaning the laptop up and removing all company software before letting you have it. Maybe they'll do that for you?
windows 7 reset (I'm guessing that's what your work pc will be), might not work if there's not a recovery partition.
If your IT dept aren't clearing the laptop for you, I would be very surprised and more than a little disappointed. They need to ensure that there is no business related data on the laptop before handover - that is basic security.
They should remove it from the Domain before you take it away. Are they doing that?
What version of Windows?
I'd be very surprised if any sort of "recovery" would be relevant unless they're inept. It will have been flattened and set up with a corporate image.
I think so, but they are passing out fully functional machines to the wider world with access to their servers though, so ye never know, worth try. 😆Cougar - ModeratorI'd be very surprised if any sort of "recovery" would be relevant unless they're inept
If not, get some windows disks and reinstall from scratch OP.