Wiping My Computer Clean?

MMonica77 · Mar 8, 2006

Hello everyone,

I have a desktop computer (HP) that I just received from a friend. She and I have already dicussed the matter.

Since it contains many files and programs that are no longer needed and wanted and just in case there are any "problems" with the computer and/or viruses, I want to wipe the computer clean.

How do I wipe the computer clean and start "fresh?" My goal is to remove everything that is located on the hard-drive and have a brand new computer.

It currently is running Windows XP on it, and I will most likely keep the XP version as well.

If you can please give me some advice and/or step-by-step diretions to wipe my computer clean, I would really appreicate it.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me

DavidGP · Mar 8, 2006

Do you have the supplied HP restore CD or a original XP cd to re-install the OS?

Some Restore CDs that manufacturers supply will be one of two types the plain ol XP version which will just install XP or the manufacturers install CD which will not only install XP but all the originally installed software and trial software.

If the Manufacturers CD with additional software then pop it in the cd drive and run.. it will reinstall XP and all the originally supplied software... most of which you may or will not want.

but if its an original XP cd you are using then start your PC, enter the Bios and change the boot order to 1st boot device as CDROM > pop in the XP cd then save and exit the bios.

you PC will reboot and you will be faced with the first screen in the below link ( easier me linking you to a good guide with pictures than typing it out ) follow the steps but at step 5, I would to give yourself a really clean setup, choose the option to delete the partition, once deleted you will be given the option to create a partition in the unpartitioned space, choose the unpartitioned space and create.. then next option will be to format this space, choose NTFS ( not the Quick option ) then follow the rest of the prompts http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp

what I would also do is to before you re-install is, collect a list of essential updates and security programs burn them to CD or copy to large USB pendrive.... do not have that PC connected to the net before installing the below security options....

Service Pack two... full install is available here http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...BE-3B8E-4F30-8245-9E368D3CDB5A&displaylang=en

Security programs
Antivirus eg. Avast, AVG for free options
Firewall eg. Zone Alarm, Sygate, Outpost
Anti Spyware eg. Microsoft Defender, Ad-Aware, Spywareblaster* ( *superb free app )

all are available here http://www.majorgeeks.com/ or by reading this great guide the links are available withing the guide http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=44525 to save you searching for them.

then connect and update.

hateuall · Mar 8, 2006

Listen to Halo cause I also did this the second time I reinstalled windows and it went smoothly. The first time I didn't get updates of programs to install right after I got back up and it was unsafe. Wipe the partitions when going through the options of reinstalling windows, actually right before, but after u pop in the cd. Then repartition them. Also, saved passwords on ur pc might be a good thing to backup on a cd before hand.

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Wiping My Computer Clean?

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