Giving away old computer, had Win XP on it.....help?!

Hello! And, here's my question......(I previously "post stacked" this same question, oops!, sorry....didn't know actually where to ask this question from the beginning)

OK, question.....

1) I have Win XP, got it from Dell......pre-installed on computer when bought.

2) I do have the 'reinstallation' cd w/ SP 1, (had upgraded to SP 2 online at a later time)

3) I have the resource cd....drivers and utilities....this was previously installed, also.

4) Have used this comp for online banking and personal use for finances, etc.

5) Finally, I want to delete everything, but get it back to where it's fresh with Win XP back on it. Don't want anything left on it for my protection.

6) will be giving it to someone I know.....they don't need anything but, Win XP on it.

thank you in advance for advice!

mamma

PS-I'm not comletely computer illiterate, but do need step by step instruction if possible

 

My thoughts: just use the CDs that came with it to format the hard drive and restore the system to it's original configuration. Some folks might suggest using a drive wipe utility for a more thorough erasing of all data on the hard drive but, from a practical standpoint, I'd just do as I said.

Formatting does erase all files on the hard drive to the extent that special/forensic techniques would be needed to search for data may still be remaining after a standard formatting procedure. And, the average user does not have the knowledge to do that.

To use the Dell CD to restore the system to it's original configuration, you need to boot from the CD. So, put the CD in the CD drive and restart the computer. If it does not boot from the CD instead of starting Windows as usual, you need to access the BIOS and set CD-ROM as the initial boot device.

Once you've gotten the computer to boot from the CD, you'll see options on screen, as I recall. You want to select the option to format the hard drive and reinstall Windows. Once you've done this, you'll need to use the CD with drivers and install some device drivers. To help with this process, use Windows Device Manager to confirm that all needed device drivers have been installed.

If you want to update Windows with SP2, you'll have to download it again. If you don't do this, I suggest you inform the recipient of the computer and advise them to do it.

 

Thank You!

So, I could actually use, say Killdisc(sp?) or something similar to almost permanently wipe out files etc., and then put in cd from Dell and reformat/reinstall windows XP program again.....and it should be self explanatory if you just follow steps?

Or, you could use the cd just to delete files and to reinstall and/or format the computer without using a program like Killdisc to wipe out all files, etc., again following cd's instructions/steps?

Just want to make sure I understand your suggestion.

 

Yes. And, using Killdisk might a good idea to put yourself at ease with giving this computer to someone else.