Complete format

I would like to completely format my hard drive and start from ground zero. To clarify I would like to start as though the machine had just been manufactured and has nothing on it. I am concerned that my computer has been compromised and would like to completely start over to ensure that the computer is completely secure. I would appreciate it if anyone can help me figure out how to do this. Thanks in advance for your help.

Keyser

 

If you literally want to start from zero, go to your Hard Drive manufacturer's website and look for a hard drive utility that will write zeros to your hard drive. If you want to meet Department of Defense standards... run it seven times. If you have a Linux bootable disc (Live-CD or Floppy Distro) you can run the command:

dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/hda

replace hda with what your hard drive is found as it may be HDA1 it may be SDA1 if you use SCSI or a USB hard drive.. though are USB hard drives bootable?

Anyway there are two suggestions. And if someone notices incorrect syntax or can remember all the modifiers for it go ahead and post that.

 

What OS?

If XP or 2000, just boot from your CD-ROM and follow the prompts to reinstall Windows. I usually choose the option to delete the existing partition and then create a new one. Then format, install Windows and vio'la.



Steve

 

I am going to install Windows XP. Will doing that get rid of any problems that are hiding in the BIOS? I thought doing that would just superficially format the drive.