I want to reset my hardrive completely..

[Fountain79]

how do I do that? I would like to take my old computer in for a trade-in but I want to make sure that erase any personal info on it. Do I just have to go through it manually?

[Omphaloskepsis]

1. You need the Windows install disk..

Boot from it and reformat the Hard Drive.

Erasing the files only deletes links to that file within the file system. The files can still be viewed if the proper tools are used.

[Kutjara]

2. Use the original Windows installation disks that came with the computer.

Use them to reformat the disk and reinstall Windows on the machine. That way, everything will be cleaned off and there be a new, working Windows installation installed.

[Fountain79]

5. Let's say you misplaced that...

what next?

[billyskank]

3. If you want to get very serious

If you know the manufacturer of your hard drive, go to their web site and some where you will probably find a low-level format utility. This will be a program you can download and copy on to a floppy disc; you can then boot your PC from the floppy disc and it will completely erase everything on your hard disc. It may take a while though: for a large hard disc, it could take several days even.

[necso]

4. Use "Eraser", a free download. /nt