HOW do I ERASE my Laptop with Windows XP?

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by EnchantedDreams, Sep 17, 2007.

  1. EnchantedDreams

    EnchantedDreams Specialist

    I want to reformat my laptop ...completely erase the drive ....and when I go to the c: prompt from the control panel ...I change it to the d: prompt and I try to format the c drive but it says it is in use and cannot be locked. I cannot figure out to start the computer up in the c: prompt without windows starting cuz I think that is why it won't let me erase the drive cuz windows is running.

    PLEASE help!! I would appreciate it so very much!! I am so frustrated!!!
     
  2. Adrynalyne

    Adrynalyne Guest

    Hard to reformat an OS, when you are currently using it!

    If you have an XP CD, and dont want to deal with extra applications doing it for you, you can format during setup after booting to it, or you can follow this tidbit:

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In Windows XP, there is a little documented command called mkdiskraw.

    Using mkdiskraw is similar to debugging a drive to remove partition information. It may actually do the same thing.


    First, boot to the Windows XP recovery console (rcon).

    Inside rcon, type the command:

    Map

    Hit ENTER.

    This will show what drives are on the system.

    Keep in mind the primary drive always starts as Disk 0, then Disk 1, and so on.

    You can also use diskpart to see what drives are on the system.

    This is not a required step, just make damn sure you have the right drive.

    When ready, type:

    mkdiskraw #

    Hit ENTER.

    Where, # is the number of the drive you want to clear.

    This command will nuke your data, filesystem, partition table, and MBR all in one move.

    It takes less than 20 seconds for an 80gb drive.

    Take care with this command, you will LOSE all data on that drive.
     
  3. EnchantedDreams

    EnchantedDreams Specialist

    You are sooooo AWESOME!!!

    THANK YOU so much!!!

    Ok I am being really slow tho...

    HOW do I reboot into rcon?
     
  4. Adrynalyne

    Adrynalyne Guest

  5. EnchantedDreams

    EnchantedDreams Specialist

    Thank you so much!!! You are really so awesome!!

    I read the instructions but I'm still confused....

    ....do I need to run it from the windows xp disc???

    I was hoping I could just do it straight from the drive but the instructions were confusing...
     
  6. Adrynalyne

    Adrynalyne Guest

    Yes, boot to the CD.

    When it goes to setup and says press 'R' to repair...

    Press 'R'
     
  7. tunered

    tunered MajorGeek

    If you are wanting to wipe the hard drive, boot from cd,[only do that once thru the whole process] let windows load files, then it will show you the partitions on the drive, you will have the optition to delete them, delete all to completely wipe, then format. W hen all gone it should say new raw partition, with all most your full size of your hard drive. ed
     
  8. Adrynalyne

    Adrynalyne Guest

    My instructions will work fine, without the nonsense of going through setup.

    Actually, mine works better, as it does a more thorough job.
     

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