Jump to content

Welcome to Geeks to Go - Register now for FREE

Need help with your computer or device? Want to learn new tech skills? You're in the right place!
Geeks to Go is a friendly community of tech experts who can solve any problem you have. Just create a free account and post your question. Our volunteers will reply quickly and guide you through the steps. Don't let tech troubles stop you. Join Geeks to Go now and get the support you need!

How it Works Create Account
Photo

Selling Computer - Need Help On Wiping Hard Drive and Reinstalling Win


  • Please log in to reply

#1
rlestra5

rlestra5

    New Member

  • Member
  • Pip
  • 4 posts
Hey everyone,

This is my first post to the forum, so I wanted to say hello and maybe, hopefully someone has an answer to my question :D

I am selling my desktop computer and upgrading to a newer system. Through my extensive research online, I am aware that I should have my hard drive wiped clean and a clean version of Windows installed prior to selling the system. Although I do not have that much personal information stored on my computer, I think it would be foolish of me to NOT wipe out the hard drive entirely because you never know who you're dealing with these days and identity theft is becoming more and more of a problem.

So I understand what I need to do...I just don't know how to do it. I am pretty smart when it comes to using the computer, but I wouldn't want to attempt this and screw something up dearly. Really what I could use is a simple, step-by-step guide from someone here on how to wipe out my hard drive and ultimately keep my operating system intact. (If that means I need to reinstall Windows, so be it.)

I have already transferred my important files to an external jump drive, and most of the programs I currently have on my C: drive I will not need as I am getting a new system. In the instance that I do, I have the CD's that came with many of these programs and could reinstall them if need be.

So what would I need to do to accomplish what I'm asking? The one thing I would like to mention is that I do not have a recovery disk for Windows Vista. I don't believe I was ever given one. But I am led to believe that if I hit F11 or F12 when starting my computer, that I can access the recovery disk that way as it is already built into my system? Not sure if this is accurate and it would be great if someone could confirm this for me as after wiping my hard drive clean I would obviously need some way of reinstalling Windows.

If possible, I am looking to use free online software to wipe my hard drive clean, then reinstall Windows. As I said earlier, I just need a relatively simple, step-by-step guide that I can print and use and get this done with. Thank you to everyone in advance for your help and I look forward to hearing back from someone!!

-Ryan
  • 0

Advertisements


#2
rshaffer61

rshaffer61

    Moderator

  • Moderator
  • 34,114 posts
As far as method we use the most that would be Derricks Boot and Nuke or commonly called DBAN located HERE. It is the best at competely wiping a drive clean.
  • 0

#3
rlestra5

rlestra5

    New Member

  • Topic Starter
  • Member
  • Pip
  • 4 posts
rshaffer, would you mind leading me through the steps needed to wipe the hard drive clean and reinstall windows?
  • 0

#4
rshaffer61

rshaffer61

    Moderator

  • Moderator
  • 34,114 posts
You can do everything using just the OS installation disk.
Go HERE for step by step instructions on how to partition, format, and install XP fresh


http://lifehacker.co...atch-157578.php

This will take you through everything step by step and shows you exactly what you will or should be seeing along the way. :D
  • 0

#5
deggitt

deggitt

    Member

  • Member
  • PipPipPip
  • 272 posts
HI, what make & model number is your comp.

If you have a recovery patition you can reinstall vista & return the system to what it was like when first purchased.
  • 0

#6
rlestra5

rlestra5

    New Member

  • Topic Starter
  • Member
  • Pip
  • 4 posts
Hi Deggitt,

I have a Dell Inspiron 530 running Windows Vista Home Basic. Would you know how to reformat and reinstall Windows? I hit F12 when the computer starts up, but I can't figure it out from there. Thanks.
  • 0

#7
rshaffer61

rshaffer61

    Moderator

  • Moderator
  • 34,114 posts
The key combination is CRTL + F11 pushing the keys at the same time at the the dell screen during post. Once you push them then you want to release them.
It should go into the recovery partition so you can do a system restore.
  • 0

#8
deggitt

deggitt

    Member

  • Member
  • PipPipPip
  • 272 posts
Hi, this link for owners manual......vista factory reinstall guide is on page 101.


http://support.dell....30/en/index.htm


You can download as pdf file.
  • 0

#9
rlestra5

rlestra5

    New Member

  • Topic Starter
  • Member
  • Pip
  • 4 posts
deggitt, when I click on the link for the owner's manual, I am being told that the page I requested is no longer available??
  • 0

#10
deggitt

deggitt

    Member

  • Member
  • PipPipPip
  • 272 posts
Hi, the link works for me :D


this link should give you Dell support.......

http://support.dell....c=us&l=en&s=gen

Enter your TAG number, should be on a white sticker on the comp. or select your model. When on the 530 download page go to the menu on left. Under Product support select MANUALS<english< then click on GET MANUAL. What you want is ...owners manual-download-pdf 10.80 mb
  • 0

#11
EricLeClair

EricLeClair

    New Member

  • Member
  • Pip
  • 7 posts

I am selling my desktop computer and upgrading to a newer system. Through my extensive research online, I am aware that I should have my hard drive wiped clean and a clean version of Windows installed prior to selling the system. I wish there was a course on selling your pc. Although I do not have that much personal information stored on my computer, I think it would be foolish of me to NOT wipe out the hard drive entirely because you never know who you're dealing with these days and identity theft is becoming more and more of a problem.

-Ryan

Good call. Always wipe your drives. Looks like an old post but I hope you saw Snowden. That stuff kray! Even my webcam has a little sticker on it right now lol


  • 0






Similar Topics

0 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users

As Featured On:

Microsoft Yahoo BBC MSN PC Magazine Washington Post HP