computer help: I was given a computer by the local c@p site and can not get rid of any of the junk they had on it or add any of my own stuff. - Help.com

Format the computer and reinstall the operating system.

You want to do a hard restore or a complete restore.
I think it’s
Control panel>system maintenance>back up and restore center>restore files

If you can do that, your machine should be reduced to only the files it came with when it was brand new.

hansolo2031 is right. if you have the know-how of installing an operating system from scratch do it. it will save you alot of headaches. it sounds like the computer is restoring itself upon rebooting (those junk files). I know hp usually puts a lot of extra stuff on their computers but i can’t say for any other companies as i have only dealt with hp. i prefer to you (email removed) to remove files from the computer before installing an operating system. it essentially reformats the disk. you can get it free at:

http://www.killdisk.com/downloadfree.htm

otherwise you can use the formating option when you install the new OS.

Good luck.