[BorgataGal]

Hi,
I have a used computer that I totally want to erase all info from. How can I do this? It is a HP.
Thanks in advance.

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Hello, and welcome to Geeks to Go.
Do you mean everything from the hard drive? Including the Operating system?
What operating system do you want to install? ie. Windows 95, 98, ME etc....

If you need to "Format" the Hard disk (erase ALL data), insert the Operating system disc or CD follow the prompts to format the drive and reinstall the operating system. If you have a boot disk loaded from A:> ,
type format C:
Note: This will erase everything as if it were a new computer, it will not be useable untill you install an Operating system.

If you want me to explain in more detail just ask.

Edited by sarahw, 19 June 2006 - 07:55 PM.

[sarahw]

Hello, and welcome to Geeks to Go.
Do you mean everything from the hard drive? Including the Operating system?
What operating system do you want to install? ie. Windows 95, 98, ME etc....

If you need to "Format" the Hard disk (erase ALL data), insert the Operating system disc or CD follow the prompts to format the drive and reinstall the operating system. If you have a boot disk loaded from A:> ,
type format C:
Note: This will erase everything as if it were a new computer, it will not be useable untill you install an Operating system.

If you want me to explain in more detail just ask.

Edited by sarahw, 19 June 2006 - 07:55 PM.

[BorgataGal]

Thank you for replying so fast

I am a little confused. I don't have any discs available for this computer. It is an old one of mine from about five years ago.

[sarahw]

If you do not have OS discs, then you shouldn't format the computer.
What Operating system are you using?

[BorgataGal]

Hmm.. operating system? I assume u mean Windows 98 and internet explorer?

Isn't there a way to delete all things except factory installed components?

I wish I had been more alert in my one computer class in college years ago.

[BorgataGal]

Could I use a disc from another computer when I bought it?

[wannabe1]

On some older HP's, you could start a destructive recovery by pressing F10 at the first splash screen. That would format the drive and reinstall the original software. Give that a try.

wannabe1