Reformat/system restore

[MajinTony]

I want to recycle this old PC but I would like to wipe it clean first since I've done some banking, taxes, etc. on it. Where do I go to reformat it in the options?

[EagleOne]

Go to computer and right click, it says format and follow the instructions. Remember that when you do this the OS will cease to exist I think. Or restart the computer and hit F8 and it will give you a list of options, pick system restore and follow the steps of what you want. I think there is an option to wipe all and restore everything to default

[RaTix]

To be honest even if you format it, someone could still use a recovery program to pull the info off. If you're just trashing it, or taking it to a recycling center, your best bet is to remove the hard drive and drill a couple holes through it.
If wiping to give to a less fortunate friend or family member. Use an XP CD (Vista CD might work too) to run a full format and reinstall. That way at least it's not just formatted, but also overwritten a bit with the fresh install.

If Trashing
- Boot from XP CD:
With CD in drive, Press F10 (or F12) on boot to bring up Boot Device menu.
Choose to boot from the CD/DVDROM drive.
Press any key when prompted (be ready forit, it can disappear very quickly on some machines)
- At first prompt, press R for the recovery console.
- Use FORMAT command to erase everything
- Then use DISKPART to delete all partitions

http://michaelstevenstech.com/r_c_cmds.htm

- When done, remove hard drive and start drilling


If Giving to someone else,
- Boot from XP CD:
With CD in drive, Press F10 (or F12) on boot to bring up Boot Device menu.
Choose to boot from the CD/DVDROM drive.
Press any key when prompted (be ready forit, it can disappear very quickly on some machines)
- Let it load up the files it needs and press ENTER to start setup process.
- Should bring up a list of windows installations and partitions. Delete all partitions and then recreate single partition for new install.
- Last question it asks, should be for full or quick format. Choose FULL Format NTFS file system
- Let it install, and when done you should be good to go.

[norm]

What Ratix said :D

or this




lol :p

[Taco_assassin]

Or if you're really paranoid, dl the trial of windowwasher. on the main screen there's a button "system eraser" that you can write to floppy or cd. That will overwrite your hdd multiple times up to 35 if you choose.

[MajinTony]

I'm really thinking that I'm just gonna go "Office Space" all over the tower's ass. It's all infected and I don't even know if I can run a windows CD. Will these rcycling places take a smashed PC? And can data still be recovered from bits and pieces?

[thedooku]

Run it over with the shitter hitter :p

[RaTix]

Is it a decent PC besides the infections? I'd hate to see you trash a perfectly good PC just because of that. If it's just old and outdated anyway, then I can understand.
As long as you puncture the hard drive itself, no one will be able to recovery the data. Drill it, use a hammer and nail, or chisel it open, whatever you got too.

The recycling places usually grind up the parts anyway to be recycled, so yeah they will take it in any condition.



** Some pics of the destruction would be nice though :emperor:

[MajinTony]

Yeah even without the infections it would be time. It's over 10 years old I think. I'll definately upload some pics if there's good enough carnage

[Kamui]

I would....load that baby up with Firecrackers, And watch it go....that's just me though. And if your state allows firecrackers too.