Encrypt and Re-Install Windows 8.1 on Iconia W4-820

hcsima
hcsima Member Posts: 4 New User
edited March 2023 in 2017 Archives

I'm selling an Iconia W4-820 (upgrading to an Aspire R3) and really need to ensure I securely erase my files before the sale. Every guide on the net detailing how to do so recommends encrypting the tablet first then doing a factory reset. However they only cover Android - not Windows tablets.

 

Could someone please let me know step by step how would I encrypt the tablet first and then perform a clean factory re-install? Thanks in advance.

Answers

  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 34,912 Trailblazer

    No real need for an encryption first. Clean everything of yours off, including uninstalling  apps you've added. Next fire up an administrative command prompt and do a:

    cipher /w:C

    (/w is wipe, the C is the partition)

    Next do a Reset of Windows or reinstall the factory image from your restore disks. I'd probably do another cipher at that point, though it's unlikely to be needed. Cipher wipes all unallocated blocks with several patterns, clearing all deleted data completely.

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  • hcsima
    hcsima Member Posts: 4 New User

    Thanks for the reply. I have A couple of questions:

     

    1. Do I perform the cipher command in safe mode? Something tells me it won't run when I'm still logged into windows.
    2. Also, as to the re-installation/reset, I'm confused as to which post to follow from this thread:

    http://community.acer.com/t5/Windows-Tablets/Fresh-Installation-of-Win-8-1-on-Iconia-W4-820/td-p/361036

     

    Do I use the DVD or a USB or follow the user manual to perform a fresh installation?

  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 34,912 Trailblazer

    You can perform the cipher in safe mode or normal mode, it deals with unallocated space on the drive, so best done with as little as possible installed. If you decide to reinstall Windows from scratch I'd likely do it from the first boot of the first install.

     

    A quick Google for Windows reset gives me this link. No need to reinstall from scratch. Again I'd do the cipher on the first boot after the reset.

     

    If you have the Acer recovery DVD or flash drive, do everything from it, that will take the system back to factory, just as it was when it was new. If you are going to reinstall from scratch you'll want to download all the drivers for the W4 and 8.1 from the Acer support site to a flash drive, then boot from either an install DVD or flash drive, whichever is easiest with your environment.

    Click on "Like" if you find my answer useful or click on "Yes" if it answers your question.