Apparent resolution of laptop troubles

I called Best Buy corporate and they said that local stores did in fact have the authority to do wipes and such. So I went back to the Rockville one and paid them $29 to do a format and write-over. So, no laptop and I'm down $29, but no risk of identity theft or violating job non-disclosure agreements or the like. Right now I do have a receipt for the wipe, although it hasn't happened yet. So I can't fully count it done until I get that call. However, for now, I've got an agreement in writing so I'm much more relaxed.