So I have windows xp home, and I am returning this computer but need to format it since I have important information on it. How do I format the computer to delete all the information without using my xp home disc, as I have that back in palm beach gardnes and not in gainesville

 

boot from another cd or create a bootdisk

format c: /u

You should probably just run the restore CD once you get it back to it's home location, prior to returning it to the store.

 

i think you pound the the crap out of F8 right after you reboot...then follow the instruction...


oh hell.. i give up... I just did it 2 weeks ago when my CPU crashed.. I just called some Indian dude from Dell who named himself Sam.... could not understand him too well...but I am back online...

 

i dont have any cd to boot from, and I have no floppies here. Damn

 

The last time I retired a computer with important personal information on it, after formatting the disk I:

1) removed the hard drive.
2) mounted a 1/4" bit on my drill
3) drilled several holes through the drive thus shattering the platters and rendering the whole thing useless.

One of the most secure options, but maybe not practical.

 

here you go; http://www.thefreecountry.com/securi...redelete.shtml

 

Slimey - I think this is the one he has to take back to the store or something since he is waiting for his laptop, but I may be wrong.

The best way to get rid of data is using the above method, or just shoot it with a gun, that makes it more interesting. We took a hard drive apart and just played hockey with it in class.

 

I know - I'm just mentioning a more extreme example.

Depending on what's on the drive (government secrets?), it may be worth it to destroy the drive and replace it. Drives are relatively cheap after all.

 

look if it a loaner.. when you go to return it and pick up your CPU, just ask them kindly to reformat the hard drive right in front of you...

it can not hurt to ask nicely.... just call ahead and ask.. make sure they have the time to do it while you wait..

problem solved.

 

I made nice wind chimes out of the harddrive platters I had all my gov't secrets on.... Some string and some mounting brackets is all it took... It's a good thing...

 

i hacked your shit before you had the chance to get rid of it.... so if you need any of the info, just let me know...

 

Best advice yet.

 

Best answer yet... Simple, effective, and all you have to do is ask...

oh, and you know that there are utilites out there to unformat right ?? If someone really wants to see your stuff, they'll be able to get at it...

Just ask smitty, he's got all my gov't secrets (and pr0n) archived...

 

magnet + drill + extreme.heat + bury.pieces.in.random.places == teh secure disk disposal

http://www.drivesavers.com/museum/index.html