How would i completely wipe my computer clean.?

Question

I have had a computer that i havent used in along time, and thus forgoten the passoword into it. I want to wipe it out, cause i dont have the password, but also because it is cluttered with programs, and virus eaten. As well, i dont remember what else is on there, and just re do everything for simplicity, unless someone knows how to recover a password, without logging into it.

Answer 1

If the PC is in fact virus ridden, might be better to go for a clean install. If you have not backed up any wanted files, they will be gone.

I hope you have all the CDs to your programs.

Work in Safe Mode. Restart, as soon as you see the black & white text, press and hold F8. Keep holding it down until you see the black & white menu. Look for Safe Mode -- F3 of F5.
Go into Safe Mode
Open My Computer
right-click on C:
select Format
Your computer should be completely empty and ready for you to install Windows.

Below is some other information if you are interested.

Forgot / Change Administrator’s Password / Can’t Logon


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;306214&
How to create and use a password reset disk for a computer in a domain in Windows XP
SUMMARY
This article describes how to create and use a password reset disk for a computer that is a member of a domain. You can use a password reset disk to gain access to your Microsoft Windows XP Professional-based computer if you forget your password.

For additional information about how to create a password reset disk for a computer in a workgroup, or a computer that is not networked, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
305478 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/305478/) How To Create and use a password reset disk for a computer that is not a domain member in Windows XP
How to create a password reset disk
Note that this procedure requires one blank, formatted floppy disk.

To create a password reset disk for your local user account, follow these steps:
1.Press CTRL+ALT+DELETE. The Windows Security dialog box appears.
2.Click Change Password. The Change Password dialog box appears.
3.In the Log on to box, click the local computer--for example, click Computer (this computer).
4.Click Backup. The Forgotten Password Wizard starts.
5.On the Welcome to the Forgotten Password Wizard page, click Next.
6.Insert a blank, formatted disk in drive A, and then click Next.
7.In the Current user account password box, type your password, and then click Next. The Forgotten Password Wizard creates the disk.
8.When the progress bar reaches 100 percent complete, click Next, and then click Finish. The Forgotten Password Wizard quits and you return to the Change Password dialog box.
9.Remove and then label the password reset disk. Store the disk in a safe place.
10.In the Change Password dialog box, click Cancel.
11.In the Windows Security dialog box, click Cancel.

How to use a password reset disk
If you forget your password, you can log on to the computer by using a new password that you create by using the Password Reset Wizard and your password reset disk.

To gain access to your local user account on a computer that is a member of a domain, or has been disconnected from a domain, follow these steps:
1.In the Welcome to Windows dialog box, press CTRL+ALT+DELETE.
2.In the Log On to Windows dialog box, type an incorrect password in the Password box, and then click OK.
3.In the Logon Failed dialog box that appears, click Reset. The Password Reset Wizard starts. You can use the Password Reset Wizard to create a new password for your local user account.
4.On the Welcome to the Password Reset Wizard page, click Next.
5.Insert the password reset disk in drive A, and then click Next.
6.On the Reset the User Account Password page, type a new password in the Type a new password box.
7.Type the same password in the Type the password again to confirm box.
8.In the Type a new password hint box, type a hint that will help you remember the password if you forget it.

Note This hint is visible to anyone who tries to log on to the computer by using your user account.
9.Click Next, and then click Finish. The Password Reset Wizard quits and you return to the Log On to Windows dialog box. The password reset disk is automatically updated with the new password information. You do not have to create a new password reset disk.
10.In the Log On to Windows dialog box, type your new password in the Password box.
11.In the Log on to box, click the local computer--for example, click Computer (this computer), and then click OK.
You are logged on to the local computer with your local account information.
Troubleshooting
•You cannot use the password reset disk to reset the password on another computer.

You can use the password reset disk that you create with only the computer where it was created. For example, if you have two Windows XP-based computers with the same user names and passwords, you cannot use a password reset disk that you create on the first computer to reset the password on the second computer.
•You cannot use the password reset disk to reset your domain account password.

You can use the password reset disk only to reset the local computer account password. If you forget your domain account password, contact your system administrator.
•The password reset disk contains sensitive information.

Others may use the password reset disk to gain access to your computer. Make sure that you store this disk in a safe location.

APPLIES TO
•Microsoft Windows XP Professional Edition




http://support.microsoft.com/kb/305478/
How to create and use a password reset disk for a computer that is not a domain member in Windows XP

This article describes how to create and use a password reset disk for a computer that is part of a workgroup, or that is not connected to a network. You can use a password reset disk to gain access to your Windows XP-based computer if you forget your password.

For additional information about how to create a password reset disk for a computer that is a member of a domain, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
How to create a password reset disk
To create a password reset disk for your local user account, use one of the following methods.

Requirements
The following methods require one blank, formatted floppy disk.

Use a computer administrator account
If you logged on to the computer by using an administrator account, follow these steps to create a password reset disk for a user account:
1.Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2.In Control Panel, click User Accounts.
3.In the User Accounts pane, click the account that you want to work with.
4.Under Related Tasks, click Prevent a forgotten password to start the Forgotten Password Wizard, and then click Next.
5.Insert a blank, formatted disk into drive A, and then click Next.
6.In the Current user account password box, type the password for the user account that you chose in step 3, and then click Next.

Note If the user account does not have a password, do not type a password in the Current user account password box.

The Forgotten Password Wizard creates the disk.
7.When the Progress bar reaches 100% complete, click Next, and then click Finish.
8.Remove and then label the password reset disk. Store the disk in a safe place.
Use a limited account
If you logged on to the computer by using a limited account, follow these steps to create a password reset disk for your user account:
1.Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2.Under Pick a category, click User Accounts.
3.Under Related Tasks, click Prevent a forgotten password to start the Forgotten Password Wizard.
4.Click Next.
5.Insert a blank, formatted disk into drive A, and then click Next.
6.In the Current user account password box, type your password, and then click Next.

Note If your user account does not have a password, do not type a password in the Current user account password box.

The Forgotten Password Wizard creates the disk.
7.When the Progress bar reaches 100% complete, click Next, and then click Finish.
8.Remove and then label the password reset disk. Store the disk in a safe place.
How to log on to the computer by using a password reset disk
If you forget your password, you can log on to the computer by using a new password that you create by using the Password Reset Wizard and your password reset disk. To do this, follow these steps:
1.On the Windows XP logon screen, click the user name that you want to use. The Type your password box appears. Press ENTER or click the right-arrow button. You receive the following error message:
Did you forget your password?
You can click the "?" button to see your password hint.
Or you can use your password reset disk.

Please type your password again.
Be sure to use the correct uppercase and lowercase letters.
2.Click use your password reset disk. The Password Reset Wizard starts. The Password Reset Wizard permits you to create a new password for your user account.
3.Click Next.
4.Insert the password reset disk into drive A, and then click Next.
5.Type a new password in the Type a new password box.
6.Type the same password in the Type the password again to confirm box.
7.In the Type a new password hint box, type a hint to remind you of your password if you forget the new password.

Note This hint is visible to anyone who tries to log on to the computer by using your user account.
8.Click Next, and then click Finish. The Password Reset Wizard quits, and you return to the Windows XP logon screen.

Note The password reset disk is automatically updated with the new password information. You do not have to create a new password reset disk.
9.Type your new password in the Type your password box, and then click the right-arrow button to log on to the computer.
Troubleshooting
•The password reset disk cannot be used to reset the password on another computer.

The password reset disk that you create can only be used with the computer it was created on. For example, if you have two Windows XP-based computers that have the same user names and passwords, a password reset disk that you create on the first computer cannot be used to reset the password on the second computer.
•The password reset disk contains sensitive information.

Other users may be able to use the password reset disk to gain access to your computer. For this reason, store this disk in a safe and secure location.




http://www.petri.co.il/forgot_administrator_password.htm

Can't Log On to Windows XP?
If that’s your only problem, then you probably have nothing to worry about. As long as you have your Windows XP CD, you can get back into your system using a simple but effective method made possible by a little known access hole in Windows XP.
This method is easy enough for newbies to follow – it doesn’t require using the Recovery Console or any complicated commands. And it’s free - I mention that because you can pay two hundred dollars for an emergency download of Winternals ERD with Locksmith which is a utility for unlocking lost Windows passwords. See here http://www.winternals.com/products/repairandrecovery/locksmith.asp
ERD is an excellent multi purpose product, but you should know it is not a necessary one if you have a healthy system and your sole problem is the inability to logon to Windows due to a forgotten password. Not necessary because you can easily change or wipe out your Administrator password for free during a Windows XP Repair. Here’s how with a step-by-step description of the initial Repair process included for newbie’s.
1. Place your Windows XP CD in your cd-rom and start your computer (it’s assumed here that your XP CD is bootable – as it should be - and that you have your bios set to boot from CD)
2. Keep your eye on the screen messages for booting to your cd Typically, it will be “Press any key to boot from cd”
3. Once you get in, the first screen will indicate that Setup is inspecting your system and loading files.

4. When you get to the Welcome to Setup screen, press ENTER to Setup Windows now
5. The Licensing Agreement comes next - Press F8 to accept it.
6. The next screen is the Setup screen which gives you the option to do a Repair.

It should read something like “If one of the following Windows XP installations is damaged, Setup can try to repair it”
Use the up and down arrow keys to select your XP installation (if you only have one, it should already be selected) and press R to begin the Repair process.
7. Let the Repair run. Setup will now check your disks and then start copying files which can take several minutes.
8. Shortly after the Copying Files stage, you will be required to reboot. (this will happen automatically – you will see a progress bar stating “Your computer will reboot in 15 seconds”
9. During the reboot, do not make the mistake of “pressing any key” to boot from the CD again! Setup will resume automatically with the standard billboard screens and you will notice Installing Windows is highlighted.
10. Keep your eye on the lower left hand side of the screen and when you see the Installing Devices progress bar, press SHIFT + F10. This is the security hole! A command console will now open up giving you the potential for wide access to your system.
11. At the prompt, type NUSRMGR.CPL and press Enter. Voila! You have just gained graphical access to your User Accounts in the Control Panel.
12. Now simply pick the account you need to change and remove or change your password as you prefer. If you want to log on without having to enter your new password, you can type control userpasswords2 at the prompt and choose to log on without being asked for password. After you’ve made your changes close the windows, exit the command box and continue on with the Repair (have your Product key handy).
13. Once the Repair is done, you will be able to log on with your new password (or without a password if you chose not to use one or if you chose not to be asked for a password). Your programs and personalized settings should remain intact.
I tested the above on Windows XP Pro with and without SP1 and also used this method in a real situation where someone could not remember their password and it worked like a charm to fix the problem. This security hole allows access to more than just user accounts. You can also access the Registry and Policy Editor, for example. And its gui access with mouse control. Of course, a Product Key will be needed to continue with the Repair after making the changes, but for anyone intent on gaining access to your system, this would be no problem.
And in case you are wondering, NO, you cannot cancel install after making the changes and expect to logon with your new password.
Cancelling will just result in Setup resuming at bootup and your changes will be lost.
Ok, now that your logon problem is fixed, you should make a point to prevent it from ever happening again by creating a Password Reset Disk. This is a floppy disk you can use in the event you ever forget your log on password. It allows you to set a new password.
Here's how to create one if your computer is NOT on a domain:
 Go to the Control Panel and open up User Accounts.
 Choose your account (under Pick An Account to Change) and under Related Tasks, click "Prevent a forgotten password".
 This will initiate a wizard.
 Click Next and then insert a blank formatted floppy disk into your A: drive.
 Click Next and enter your logon password in the password box.
 Click Next to begin the creation of your Password disk.
 Once completed, label and save the disk to a safe place
How to Log on to your PC Using Your Password Reset Disk
Start your computer and at the logon screen, click your user name and leave the password box blank or just type in anything. This will bring up a Logon Failure box and you will then see the option to use your Password Reset disk to create a new password. Click it which will initiate the Password Reset wizard. Insert your password reset disk into your floppy drive and follow the wizard which will let you choose a new password to use for your account.
Note: If your computer is part of a domain, the procedure for creating a password disk is different.
See here for step by step instructions: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;306214&

Answer 2

You should definitely try to locate the system disks to the computer. Almost every computer comes with system disks. If you format without the system disks, it will be a huge pain in the *** to get the computer to work again. If you can find the system disks, you can just run those and they will explain how to wipe the computer clean and put it back to the way it was when you got it.

There are programs available on the web that help you recover lost passwords. You will need another computer to get on the internet, then find one of those programs, burn it to a disc or floppy, and boot from that CD or disk. I have used one before to recover a Win 2000 password, but I imagine they are out there for XP too. Try this one:

http://www.petri.co.il/forgot_administrator_password.htm#20

Answer 3

Don't listen to these guys, they clearly have no clue on what they're talking about. I am a developer at Microsoft so I know a thing or two about computers. The only way to reset your windows password 100% safe is to use a software called Reset Password Pro.

The software allows you to create a boot-disk, that can be made on a CD/DVD or USB stick. The boot-disk can then be inserted into any locked machine, and it's a simple case of pressing reset. Here is their official site: http://www.resetwindowspass.com

Answer 4

I am not real sure about 'cleaning' a hard drive, The US Defense Department's opinion things is ever really eliminated from a hard drive, and they opt for a method of overwriting the data so that it cannot be decoded and read. Their method advises that data be overwritten at least three times, most available programs will allow up to 7 overwrites.

WebRoot has a program that claims to erase your disk completely. It is bundled with Window Washer program. Never had any experience with it myself.

Answer 5

Install Linux! That should wipe out all old Winderz hard drives and replace them with a great new OS. Download a copy and burn a cd set today! Old Winderz virii don't have much effect on the penguin.
Good luck!

Answer 6

what Windows are you using with that computer? if XP, it's fairly easy to get your computer back, unless you want to restart fresh all over again, then you would have to have your Windows CD ready to install the Windows back on.

to get your password (PW) back, restart your computer, then slow press F8 a few times, untill you get to the Boot menu, select Safe Mode (#1), hit Enter, wait a min, then select Administration account to log in, then go to Control Panal, User Account, delete the pw of the account that you forgot the pw, restart your computer, sign back in with your regular account (the one you just removed the pw), and you're back on track. For programs to get rid of your virus, check out http://filehippo.com and download either AVG or Avast. Both are good and free to use.

Answer 7

When booting press F8 repeatedly. Log into safe mode. Then log in as administrator with no password. Then you can reset the password on your user account. (This only works if you haven't set an admin password)
or
http://www.loginrecovery.com/

Answer 8

Hi,
A good registry cleaner I use is CCleaner. It's a reliable tool to get rid of worms, trojams, malwares and viruses that affect your pc performances. Free download here http://bitly.com/UrALrA
It's a good free solution.

Answer 9

With the windows cd that came with the computer or that your bought and installed onto the computer. If you need more help, go to this tech forum for more free help, which will be more professonal then here.

Answer 10

You can do a 35-pass erase on it, but that will literally take a week to complete (500GB SATA 5400rpm), and is only used by military standards. If you intend on recycling it, take it out and take a hammer to it. Beat it to death, and maybe spray paint it, and hit it again... simply kill it.

Answer 11

If you install a new OS it will wipe it clean. Two free ones are XUBUNTU and UBUNTU.