Next, you’re asked how to remove your personal files. Either Thoroughly – most secure, or Quickly – less secure (files might be recoverable). The Thorough option will do three passes on your hard drive while wiping its data.

The choice is up to you and the message provides straight forward definitions of each. When in doubt, always pick the most secure option.

You’ll get a final message asking if you’re ready to reset the PC. Click Reset.

Just like with doing a PC Refresh, your system will reboot a couple of times while it wipes all data on your hard drive and installs a clean version of Windows 8.

The process is surprisingly fast. On my test desktop system, a PC Reset –using the Quick option to remove personal files took about 10 minutes. That cuts the time it takes to do a traditional clean install of Windows 7 down by more than half.

With the PC Reset option, you’ll need to go through the initial setup process again.

PC Reset vs Refresh

What’s the difference? A PC Refresh reinstalls Windows 8 and keeps your personal Settings, Files and the apps you’ve purchased from the Windows Store. if your system is running sluggishly or you want to start over with your data intact, use the Reset option.

A PC Reset will completely wipe all of your files, setting and apps. Then reinstall Windows 8 – everything will be set back to system defaults. This option is like wiping your hard drive with DBAN or other Disk wipe utility and doing a clean install of Windows. If you’re selling or giving away your computer, or you want to start over, use the Reset option.

Remember after using either feature, it’s a good idea to reinstall all Windows Updates right away.

Then to get your freeware and open source apps reinstalled without the extra crapware,check out our article on ninite.com.

Source: groovypost