I would like to donate my old Dell Inspiron laptop to local school. I don't think there is much on it, but one can't be sure! Someone suggested reformating as an option. Is this something a confuser idiot can do? Can someone walk me through the steps?
Reformating XP
- Thread starter cuffs054
- Start date
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whirlcool
Well-known member
It's easy.
1. Click start then run
2. Next type in c:\windows\system32\format.com
3. At the warning message type Y.
Your format will be underway.
If you want to put Windows XP fresh on the system just drop in your Windows XP system disk and it will automatically reinstall.
1. Click start then run
2. Next type in c:\windows\system32\format.com
3. At the warning message type Y.
Your format will be underway.
If you want to put Windows XP fresh on the system just drop in your Windows XP system disk and it will automatically reinstall.
This might be helpful
It covers all the basics...
I believe you will want to start with "Formatting and Installing from the Windows XP CD" if you have it. Since it's a Dell, the Windows serial number is on the side of your computer somewhere (guessing it's less than 10 years old).
A note...don't choose the "Quick" format (Step 8), choose the longer option as that will do a more thorough format and reduce (but not eliminate) the chance of someone recovering your files. For ultimate security, the drive needs to be formatted using specialized software - if you have "top secret" stuff.
www.ehow.com
It covers all the basics...
I believe you will want to start with "Formatting and Installing from the Windows XP CD" if you have it. Since it's a Dell, the Windows serial number is on the side of your computer somewhere (guessing it's less than 10 years old).
A note...don't choose the "Quick" format (Step 8), choose the longer option as that will do a more thorough format and reduce (but not eliminate) the chance of someone recovering your files. For ultimate security, the drive needs to be formatted using specialized software - if you have "top secret" stuff.
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lordkenmore
Well-known member
First, I commend you for donating this computer! A lot of places can use donations like this.
Secondly, it is a good idea to remove personal stuff, even if you are reasonably sure there is nothing important. I buy my computers second hand, and I'm surprised by how many people don't delete any files before donating to the thrift store. I have powered up computers to test and actually seen Quicken files left behind!
The only way to completely delete data is destroy the hard drive. The second best--and acceptable for most uses--is software that will do a complete delete. This should "overwrite" random data. While the old data might be still be recoverable, it would take a lot to get it back. More passes should make it about as good as destroying the hard drive.
My approach would be to completely zap the drive with some complete delete software, then reinstall Windows. Additional benefit: you make absolutely sure that the only software that will be there is stuff that can be licensed to go with the computer. (Not that this bothers some people. I am frankly shocked at how many computers I see on Craigslist that have installed everything Adobe makes. But don't include disks or any license material, making that software "hot.")
Once I had to zap an XP machine, but didn't have a CD to reinstall XP. I deleted everything through the OS. Then used a program that could overwrite "free" space. Then, to be as sure as possible, created a new user account, deleted the original account, and did another pass with the complete delete. I felt reasonably confident, although the data I was zapping wouldn't have directly harmed me had it been recovered.
I think the complete delete program I used was Eraser. I don't know how good it is--but it was what I could get fast when I needed it. Link to Eraser web site:
eraser.heidi.ie
Secondly, it is a good idea to remove personal stuff, even if you are reasonably sure there is nothing important. I buy my computers second hand, and I'm surprised by how many people don't delete any files before donating to the thrift store. I have powered up computers to test and actually seen Quicken files left behind!
The only way to completely delete data is destroy the hard drive. The second best--and acceptable for most uses--is software that will do a complete delete. This should "overwrite" random data. While the old data might be still be recoverable, it would take a lot to get it back. More passes should make it about as good as destroying the hard drive.
My approach would be to completely zap the drive with some complete delete software, then reinstall Windows. Additional benefit: you make absolutely sure that the only software that will be there is stuff that can be licensed to go with the computer. (Not that this bothers some people. I am frankly shocked at how many computers I see on Craigslist that have installed everything Adobe makes. But don't include disks or any license material, making that software "hot.")
Once I had to zap an XP machine, but didn't have a CD to reinstall XP. I deleted everything through the OS. Then used a program that could overwrite "free" space. Then, to be as sure as possible, created a new user account, deleted the original account, and did another pass with the complete delete. I felt reasonably confident, although the data I was zapping wouldn't have directly harmed me had it been recovered.
I think the complete delete program I used was Eraser. I don't know how good it is--but it was what I could get fast when I needed it. Link to Eraser web site:
Eraser – Secure Erase Files from Hard Drives
eraser.heidi.ie
There are freeware "drive scrubber/eraser" utilities available. Of course, one has to trust the author that they're effective.
If there's serious concern about data security, destroy the old drive and install a new one ... they're cheap enough nowadays.
I bought a used drive from a friend while back, installed it in my system. Running a backup recently, I glanced at the progress screen and saw a bunch of unfamiliar filenames flashing by. Investigated, and found a hidden Recycle bin directory left behind that contained hundreds of e-books. I couldn't access it via Windows Explorer, but could from a command prompt, un-hid and recovered all the files.
Darik's Boot And Nuke from www.dban.org is used by the US Department of Defense. The DOD wipe fills the hard drive with random numbers 7 times. Even the CIA wouldn't be able to get anything off the drive.
www.dban.org
Darik’s Boot and Nuke – DBAN
Erase hard drives, desktops, laptops or servers free with a Darik's Boot and Nuke (DBAN) download. Try it now.
spookiness
Well-known member
DBAN
I've got DBAN on a disk and have used it many times.
I've got DBAN on a disk and have used it many times.
