How to remove XP, reformat HD?--the best way

[chew63]

I'm sure this is probably simple, but I've never done it before so here goes...

I'm selling a system and want to get rid of XP and reformat the HD to delete all the data. Do I have to use the XP install cd, reformat the drive and then cancel before it starts installing XP again? or is there a better way to do it? thanks for the help....

[Milenko]

I just use a 98 bootdisk and remove the partition, and if I'm not lazy I'll format it too

[magoo]

Well, this is how I do it, but I always reinstall after the deletion.
boot to the XP disc in the dvd/cd drive
let it run to the window that asks which partition to install XP to
follow th prompts to delete the existing XP partition, the HD should now be blank.
at this point you can reformat,reinstall a fresh XP or quit and the HD will be blank. Ive never left at this point, but it should then be ready for the next OS install.
If you go to the Alienware.com support site they have a really nice step by step reformat/recovery protocol all laid out. very easy to follow and printable,too.

[nonsequitur]

deleting the partition does not prevent others from getting at what was on the disk.

look into something like autoclave or killdisk to better cover your ass.

[Phoenix86]

Download the Ultimate boot CD (http://www.ultimatebootcd.com), run the Darik Boot And Nuke (better than Autoclave) for several passes. It'll wipe it so no one can read it...

[UltimaParadox]

Yeah I will reiterate that deleting the partition using the XP disc does not delete the data. It only allows new data to bre written over what is already there.

Definetly look into a way to delete the data of the disk, even though a low-level format will do this, I neccessarily do not recommend it. I would just use a third party tool, like barik boot and nuke Phoenix86 suggested

[fldrice]

I would perform a low-level format on the HD at least once.

[Phoenix86]

Definetly look into a way to delete the data of the disk, even though a low-level format will do this, I neccessarily do not recommend it. I would just use a third party tool, like barik boot and nuke Phoenix86 suggested
It's the best method I found when researching this for my work. It's a DOA certified method for making data unrecoverable after like 7 passes. A couple passes would prevent all but the most tenacious data thieves.

Warning, this process will take some time since it's effectivly writting 1-0s to every sector per pass.

[djnes]

I would perform a low-level format on the HD at least once.
That still doesn't work, especially since you can't low level format the drive anymore. What your referring to is zero-filling, which, with the right tools, can still allow data to be recovered.

[HHunt]

That still doesn't work, especially since you can't low level format the drive anymore. What your referring to is zero-filling, which, with the right tools, can still allow data to be recovered.

It does, however, move it from "easily doable for everyone" to "requires special tools". (Is it doable in software?)

[Met-AL]

Download the Ultimate boot CD (http://www.ultimatebootcd.com), run the Darik Boot And Nuke (better than Autoclave) for several passes. It'll wipe it so no one can read it...

Right On!! Ultimate Boot CD..everyone should have this and use the wiping utilities on there.

[chew63]

wow...thanks for all the suggestions. I'm gonna try the ultimate boot disk thing. Thanks for all the suggestions. :D