How do you wipe a hard drive?

SBJackk · Feb 8, 2014

Hello

I want to completely wipe my hard drive but want to keep my Operating System. Basically to when I first got my computer. I have the Operating System disk and key if it is needed.

Thanks

USAFRet · Feb 8, 2014

1. You could just uninstall all your applications. This may or may not be effective

2. Just do a full reinstall. This will be effective.

Yadhu · Feb 8, 2014

http://

click the above link and download Darik's boot and nuke

1,write it to a disk
2,boot with it
3,wipe

good luck..
P.S;all data will be permanently lost:lol:

SBJackk · Feb 8, 2014

USAFRet :

What do you mean by full reinstall?

USAFRet · Feb 8, 2014

SBJackk :

You have the original install disk and the activation key.
Reinstall the OS. This will remove everything, and you'll have a clean OS.

If that is actually what you're looking to do.

SBJackk · Feb 8, 2014

USAFRet :

SBJackk :

You have the original install disk and the activation key.
Reinstall the OS. This will remove everything, and you'll have a clean OS.

If that is actually what you're looking to do.

OK. So if I start up PC on Operating System disk I I can reinstall which will wipe everything?

USAFRet · Feb 8, 2014

SBJackk :

USAFRet :

OK. So if I start up PC on Operating System disk I I can reinstall which will wipe everything?

All of your existing data , settings, and applications will be lost.

Boot from the DVD
Delete any and all partitions
Install

Again, everything will be lost.
Why are you looking to do this?

SBJackk · Feb 8, 2014

USAFRet :

SBJackk :

All of your existing data , settings, and applications will be lost.

Boot from the DVD
Delete any and all partitions
Install

Again, everything will be lost.
Why are you looking to do this?

I have had this drive for a while now and has a lot of rubbish on it I don't need. I think it would be easier to wipe everything and just install the things I need as I don't have much space left.

mbarnes86 · Feb 8, 2014

Hi

If you want to sell or scrap the PC re installing will NOT erase all data unless you do not follow default options and select full format
Quick format allows data recovery even after new OS installed
Which is why dban was recommended

You will need the driver disk or equivalent from manufacturers web site
Especially chipset drivers, sound, Network, graphics

And any program disks (ms office ?)

If you have no confidential data on disk

Create a new admin user account
Login to new account delete all other user accounts
Run disk clean up

Run cleaner (empties recycle bin etc)

Run Heidi's Eraser to over write unused space on disk
This will leave applications such as office in place

However a re install every few years speeds up the PC as un neaded programs are removed from start up list

Regards

Mike Barnes

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How do you wipe a hard drive?

SBJackk

Honorable

USAFRet

Titan

Yadhu

Distinguished

SBJackk

Honorable

USAFRet

Titan

SBJackk

Honorable

USAFRet

Titan

SBJackk

Honorable

mbarnes86

Splendid

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