Windows 10: i purchased a used laptop running windows 10. i am afraid it might have spyware on it and...

it is a dell inspiron 3521 (64 bit) currently running windows 10 home os build 17134.1246

installed 10/2/2020

(there is a sticker on the underside of the laptop that says windows 8. windows 10 confirmed to be running)

i've heard of programmers hiding code in all kinds of crazy places on systems, and would like to know the most thorough way to reset this system so i have no concerns of residual spyware on the system. i like the idea of overwriting every bit to ensure it's clean.

do i have to download and burn a windows install cd or flash drive? is there a secure way to do that from this laptop (perhaps safe mode?) or do i have to source another system? (i have an old unit that i can probably set up, but was trying to avoid that). i'm only on my phone hotspot for internet, but i could probably find public wifi if needed.

i'm sure different methods have their own pros and cons of reinstalling/resetting, i'm looking for the most secure and knowledge of how secure this method is and of any vulnerabilities of using this method.

i have no windows disks or flash drives. the windows sticker on the bottom of the laptop is very worn. not sure if it's legible.

the seller gave me the logon password.

also, is there a digital way to find the serial number of the laptop? i want to check the stolen laptop database just to make sure. i don't see a serial number on the bottom.

submitted by /u/kwickey
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:)

 

Anti virus, Trojan's and Spyware.

Hmmm, I use AVG Email Server Antivirus, Zonealarm Pro, and many many spyware programs... The best one being BPS Anti-Spyware. Ad-aware SE is just garbage now, but if you want spyware protection with out nothing running i suggest using Spyware Blaster. Heres a list of great programs that i use and i think are some are the best. Pest Patrol, Spyware Doctor, Spybot, Bazooka, Spyware Blaster, and BPS Anti-Spyware. Those are really great anti-spyware programs. Oh and the new Zonealarm Pro I dont like at all becuase it alerts you about everything even if you turn alerts off so i use version 6.0.667.000 which is one of the best newer ones.

 

Windows 10 Tweaks

Pressing “Windows+Pause Break” (it’s up there next to scroll lock) opens the “System” Window.

Windows 10: In the new version of Windows, Explorer has a section called Quick Access. This includes your frequent folders and recent files. Explorer defaults to opening this page when you open a new window. If you’d rather open the usual This PC, with links to your drives and library folders, follow these steps:

• Open a new Explorer window.
• Click View in the ribbon.
• Click Options.
• Under General, next to “Open File Explorer to:” choose “This PC.”
• Click OK

credit to Lifehacker.

 

Laptop running Windows 10 keeps freezing

Hi,

Since you already tried several troubleshooting steps, such us running a hardware diagnostic test on all hardware components, checked the system files, updated all drivers, and as well the BIOS, then this is perhaps an issue with the laptop itself. Now,
to isolate what is causing performance issues on your laptop, we suggest that you perform a factory reset, then check if it's the same. To perform the suggest step, please refer to this article:

Recovery options in Windows 10.

If the issue persists after performing the suggested step, contact the laptop manufacturer to have it replaced.

Let us know the outcome.