How do I erase my computer's memory?

Question

I want to sell my computer. Before I sell it, I want to erase everything on the hard disk. My preference is to erase the contents of the hard disk without deleting Windows.

Answer 1

Sounds like you have sensitive data on your hard disk that you do not want to leak out.

I would like to point out to you that deleting using the delete command (DOS) or via windows explorer will not remove the physical data on the hard disk. These commands simply remove the indexing of the files from the FAT on your hard disk, keeping the actual physical data intact on the hard drive.

Unfortunately the same applies for formatting. Formatting simply replaces the MBR, Partition Table and FAT on the hard drive. Any old data will still physically exist on the hard disk platter.

If you want to remove all physical data on the hard drive, you will have to "zero-fill" it. Using a zero-fill program (you can find some on the web) you can physically fill the hard disk with data '0' hence destroying every readable piece of data existing on the drive platter.

Unfortunately you will not be able to save windows, but i strongly suggest you reinstall windows after zero-filling it to restore it to pristine state.

Answer 2

I do not think there is a way to do this. The best thing to do is if you still have the software just reload windows XP it will format and repartition the hard drive(Erase everything) it is very easy to do and is all graphical interface Good luck and if you find a way to do what you want(erase everything but windows) let me know

Answer 3

Windows resides on the hard drive, so you cannot do a global delete. You might want to go to Windows Explorer and delete all folders which contain your stuff. But be aware, a savvy buyer could read the data anyway - just like Police Departments can.
-MM

Answer 4

If you are not a technical person, then do not delete anything or you might corrupt the window and prevent the PC from loading to windows, therefore no happy buyer. If you have your recovery CD shipped with your PC, or a copy of system backup in another partition in your hard drive, then do a fresh clean installation of windows.

Answer 5

Instead of Formatting Partition i've another way, Go to Control Panel>> Administrative Tools>>Computer Management>>Then Select Disk Management from left Pane(u will find it in storage menu) >>click on it then it will show you ur disk partitions information >> here is color code for each partition "Dark Blue for NTFS means C partition">> and other light blue >>Now Right click on all partition(EXCEPT C: DRIVE or ur NTFS partition) one by one and select the option "Delete Logical Drive" from the menu. Then click yes.

Answer 6

you format da hard drive .at da. command prompt. you type in
format
hit on space bar then type in

c:\

it will ask you do you want to format all data will be lost
hit on
Y
for yes then the pc will be format all data & drivers gone. then
ur pc is ready to be sold off. but you not get much for it .b/c it has no windows os on & no pc drivers
all da best

Answer 7

I think you can go into DOS prompt, ( a basic black background typing interface window ) and type something like : *.*
as in 'star' 'dot' 'star' then enter !
I'm not a hundred percent sure but I do think that is one way!

Answer 8

computing gadget reminiscence is wiped out while the flexibility is grew to become off, only reboot your gadget to wipe the reminiscence. in case you % to erase your tensecontinual and set your computing gadget to production unit settings, only reformat your computing gadget (put in your equipment restoration CD).

Answer 9

i also want to erase my pc memory but how do i do this by kepping windows and everything it needs to work properly. Work like it did the day u brought ??? please help

Answer 10

go to DOS or Command Prompt and type FORMAT C: and then click "Y"