Guest Valerie Posted September 7, 2008 Posted September 7, 2008 Hi, We have a Dell computer with Windows XP on it. I am going to be selling this computer as my son no longer uses it. I am too good with computers but I would like to get everything off of the computer before selling it. Could anyone tell me what to do? Thanks so much, Val
Guest Valerie Posted September 7, 2008 Posted September 7, 2008 RE: Reformating my Computer... I meant to say that I am NOT too good with computers...sorry "Valerie" wrote: > Hi, > We have a Dell computer with Windows XP on it. I am going to be selling this > computer as my son no longer uses it. I am too good with computers but I > would like to get everything off of the computer before selling it. Could > anyone tell me what to do? > Thanks so much, > Val
Guest Bruce Chambers Posted September 7, 2008 Posted September 7, 2008 Re: Reformating my Computer... Valerie wrote: > Hi, > We have a Dell computer with Windows XP on it. I am going to be selling this > computer as my son no longer uses it. I am too good with computers but I > would like to get everything off of the computer before selling it. Could > anyone tell me what to do? > Thanks so much, > Val To protect your personal information and data from any future users of average skills, you should, at the very least, format the hard drive. You can do this using the original Installation CD. Simply boot from the WinXP installation CD. You'll be offered the opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as part of the installation process. (You may need to re-arrange the order of boot devices in the PC's BIOS to boot from the CD.) HOW TO Install Windows XP http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;316941 http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm If you had an OEM installation (pre-installed at the factory) on the laptop, simply follow the manufacturer's recovery instructions in the manuals that came with the computer (or consult the manufacturers' web site). The OEM is contractually obligated to have provided you with some means of restoring the computer to its original, ex-factory state. If you wish to do a more thorough job of protecting your personal data, WipeDrive (http://www.whitecanyon.com/wipedrive-erase-hard-drive.php) meets U.S. DoD standards for securely cleaning surplus unclassified hard drives, and could be used before formatting and reinstalling the OS and applications. There are also several freeware utilities available for this purpose, although they don't necessarily meet the DoD standards. Google is your friend. -- Bruce Chambers Help us help you: http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375 They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has killed a great many philosophers. ~ Denis Diderot
Guest JS Posted September 7, 2008 Posted September 7, 2008 Re: Reformating my Computer... If you are concerned that someone may gain access to the data files, yes then you can delete them so they will not be easy to recover with special software. In which case you should run a special disk wipe software package (see below) after you format the drive. Eraser: http://www.heidi.ie/eraser/ Also see: http://www.freedownloadscenter.com/Best/dod-erase-free.html Note: Use the DOD method (at least 7 passes) for 'Unused/Free' space, Make absolutely certain that you have selected the correct Windows drive letter!!! If the PC has a Restore Partition you don't want to wipe it clean. Next thing is to do a 'Clean Install' of Windows XP. This assumes that you have all the media (CDs) that came with the PC. Note that some manufactures may not provide a Windows XP install CD but have a hidden recovery partition, in which case you need to read the documentation. If you have a Laptop: The Windows Key Code sticker should be on the bottom of the laptop (you will need this to do the install). If you have a Desktop the Key Code sticker may be on the side of the case or with the CD Media Note: make certain you have a 'Drivers' CD, if not go to the manufacturer's web site and download all the drivers (Video, Sound, Network, Etc.). If your PC came with a Windows XP CD then you can perform a clean install per the info provided at the last part of this post. Before you do the 'Clean Install' download and install the following utility: Belarc Advisor: http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html It does a good job of providing a wealth of information, including installed software and hardware configuration. Now if you choose to do that clean install of Windows XP, here's how!!! How to do a Clean Install of Windows XP: Note: If You have a Windows XP CD: Change the BIOS setting to Boot from CD drive first. Then see below: From Michael Steven's: http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html more info: http://windowsxp.mvps.org/XPClean.htm and: http://www.theeldergeek.com/clean_installation_of_windows_xp.htm also: http://www.bootdisk.com/ Again note: Make sure you have the drivers you need for your motherboard, video card, sound card, Etc. If you are doing a Clean Install on an existing PC that has XP already installed: Verify your CD or Sticker Key code matches what Belarc Advisor reports for your existing install. Note: OEM Windows (installed at the factory) installations usually have a sticker located on the PC or laptop case and may not match the factory installed key as reported by Belarc Advisor. This is normal as the factory uses their own internal key code, you need to use the code on the sticker. JS http://www.pagestart.com "Valerie" <Valerie@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:46E936B1-3605-484A-BB6B-A7C18343754B@microsoft.com... > Hi, > We have a Dell computer with Windows XP on it. I am going to be selling > this > computer as my son no longer uses it. I am too good with computers but I > would like to get everything off of the computer before selling it. Could > anyone tell me what to do? > Thanks so much, > Val
Guest Plato Posted September 9, 2008 Posted September 9, 2008 Re: Reformating my Computer... =?Utf-8?B?VmFsZXJpZQ==?= wrote: > > We have a Dell computer with Windows XP on it. I am going to be selling this > computer as my son no longer uses it. I am too good with computers but I > would like to get everything off of the computer before selling it. Could > anyone tell me what to do? zero the drive, if you dont know how to, then format the drive. -- http://www.bootdisk.com/
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