Erasing data from a computer (see desc)?
Is there a way to completely erase all data from a computer (without using the special disks) to make it like it just came out of the box? For example, a friend is selling me a laptop and he wants it to be reset so I can register it under my name, name the computer, etc.
Comments
You CAN completely erase all the data on the harddrive, unlike Humvee said.
What you need to first is figure out the type of file system being used. You can do this by going into My Computer, right clicking the C Drive and choose properties. It will say the File System is either NTFS or FAT. If it is NTFS, all you need is a copy of the Operating System disc. Since it is a laptop, it will probably be some restore disc that is specific to the laptop vendor, such as Dell. In that case, you will have to do some research and find out if performing the clean restore from their disc will completely format the harddrive. If you are unable to accomplish that, you can use an OEM copy of Windows XP. Simply insert the disc and let it start up. During the setup process, you will be given the option to completely format the disk.
Now, it is FAT instead of NTFS, all you need is a DOS Boot disc. Once you have obtained this, load it up. When you have the command prompt available, type format c:\
Here are some sites to help you:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/XPClean.htm
http://home.ptd.net/~don5408/win98/install/cddos_d...
If you were really brave, you could take the hard drive out and rub a strong magnet over it
You can never completely delete everything. This is so that police, at their descression, can check computers for any criminal activity if the evidence is present.
To reset the computer visually, use the included System Resore disk included with your computer. This will wipe-out your current hard disk and enable you to start over, making it look like a brand new OS on a brand new CPU.
unfastened? No. regardless of the undeniable fact that it is obtainable to get better maximum if no longer all of it. 2 skill techniques are self-serve utility and restoration provider companies. The utility would or won't be good adequate to do what you desire, yet merely the loading of the utility onto your laptop would write over countless the information you're attempting to get better. The restoration companies fee plenty, i've got heard. in case you rather, surely, certainly ought to have the information lower back, it is well worth it to you, yet considering the fact which you requested approximately it being unfastened, i'd say you probable can't arise with the money for it. merely placed your good renounce your heart, shed a single tear, and then with your left hand, wave a fond farewell on your information. And for next time, are you able to assert CD backups?
some laptops as well as desktops have a restore partition on the hard drive. when you start the computer, look for something like press f11 for system restore. if not, then you will need the discs.
Yes. click Start - Run Then type systemrestore.exe in the box.
first, you might want to wipe the data you can remove manually with a file shredder like the one that is included in spybot search and destroy (a free spyware remover you can probably find at download.com).