captkdobbs

Once I did the second reset/reload it's been a great machine without a single glitch/freeze/blue-screen/lock up.

I don't like Office 360 (online subscription), so I went to Perks and got a full current version of MS Office through the Home Use Program (HUP). Very inexpensive. Loaded it up without any issues and it's rock solid as well.

I'm pretty sure most of the problems with these machines stemmed from DL asking it to do too much while keeping it 'locked down' tight. Once the machine was 'just a Surface' without all the EFB software on it, it's been solid. Not the fastest on the block, but definitely worth the buy-back money (IMO).

ExAF

Same here. Bought the same Office Suite from Delta Perks and have had the same experience as you. Can't touch the price for even a refurb Surface. I've been very happy with mine for a traveling computer.

freezingflyboy

Have to agree. It's amazing what technology can do once Delta IT is taken out of the loop. Solid machine and worth the buyback price. No regrets.

dma88

Looking for some help. I never received the e-mail from Delta with wiping instructions for my Surface EFB and Pilot Assist says now my only option is to return the device. They say they cant find a record of submission from me for the buyback form and there is no one who can help/assist.

Does anyone know if I'll be able to download and do a clean windows 10 install from an ISO as mentioned in this thread? Will a clean install wipe all the "Deltaness" off the machine and sever the connection between the Surface and Mother Delta? Is there any published directions/guidance on the wiping process or should I get ready to pull my hair out and turn it into a paperweight?

Thanks for any advice or direction the collective may have on the wiping process.

captkdobbs

Without the company 'unlock', the hard drive is blocked at the administrative level. Even booting from the Windows 10 media won't work because there is some encryption on the DL side. I've heard of some instances where the DL-wipe didn't work and they were able to get the bitlocker key remotely entered by DL I.T., but I.T. wouldn't send the key via email for security reasons.

In a nutshell, I haven't heard of anyone successfully wiping the machine without the company remotely unlocking the hard drive. It's a bit above my knowledge level, sorry.

Ramprat

I was able to wipe mine long before I got reset instructions from IT. When it asked about the bitlocker thing I was able to press on by going back a level in the menu and opting to do a full wipe rather than a windows reinstall. Then I reinstalled windows from a bootable USB I made on another windows 10 pc.

captkdobbs

Good to know. I had only heard of being blocked at that point.

Ramprat

These are the instructions I used somewhat with a little tweaking at the end to deal with that bitlocker issue:


ve seen a few people asking how to get their Surface 3 reset for personal use. I assume the question will be asked a lot in the coming weeks. I wrote a brief guide for my former airline's facebook group a while back and thought I'd share the info here. Many of them had trouble not get their device to reset to factory defaults for various reasons. If you’re having issues with other methods, and you want a fairly sure-fire way to completely wipe everything back to a factory state, you can try the following method. You shouldn't even need to call Delta's IT to get a password with this method. Please note that this is certainly NOT the quickest way to reset if other options are available, however I find it a bit more reassuring to start fresh. Basically, if you’re the type of person that has tape over the camera… this method is for you! 😊

You can use any Windows 10 computer or your Surface 3 to make the recovery drive (EDIT: apparently you need the admin password to make the recovery drive from the Surface 3... so make it from another computer.), but you’ll need a way to view the website guide throughout the process.

-- Go to: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...erecoveryimage
-- Ignore the section “Before you start”. It doesn’t apply to this method.
-- Click “Continue without Signing in”
-- Select Surface 3
-- Enter your serial number
-- Download the recovery image for Windows 10 (It is 7.2GB by the way)
-- Note that this is an older version of windows. Once you’ve completed this you will need to update windows to the latest version. This will take some time.
-- Closely follow the instructions under “Create the Recovery Drive”. Take note that on step 8 you don’t just copy the whole file (Surface3_BMR_15_7.154.0) to your USB drive. You must open it and select all 42(ish) items and send them directly to the USB drive. If you didn’t get asked to replace a few files (by the end) you probably didn’t do it right. After everything has transferred, you should be able to see 41(ish) files or folders right when you open your USB drive.
-- Click on the link: “Using a Surface USB recovery drive” found on step 9.
-- Read the whole thing if you wish, but I suggest starting where it says, “How to reset your Surface using your USB recovery drive”
--Note: You may get asked during one of the boot ups to reset the TPM keys or something to that effect. You need to push F12 to give it permission, but don't forget you have to hold the function key to do it!
-- Follow the instructions closely and remember when you’re done to update to the latest version of Windows 10. The final setup should ask if you want to do it. Enjoy.

cornbeef007

Exactly...

This really isn’t that hard and it wipes everything Delta off the device.

Why are guys even doing the “Delta” reset procedure?

Scooter432

I bought a surface after returning mine. It worked well until yesterday when performing routine window updates totally bricked it. It brings up the 1990s looking boot page. I’m trying to make a bootable usb drive which is nearly impossible since I own macs in the House. Really regretting that $175 I spent about now.