Erasing everything on computer

ecntrc · 12-29-2006

I have a dell computer that I would like to erase completely or erase things I dont need, reformat and things like that what would i need to do and how? Thanks

**tamlin** · 12-29-2006

Erasing everything on the HDD is easy - you just need to reformat the disk - but if you want to use the computer again afterwards, it means rebuilding the machine from bare metal, which is NOT a task to be approached lightly. For a start, you'll need installation software for your OS and any programs you'll want to reinstall, plus drivers for things like video, sound and any peripherals you have attached - and several hours to devote to working on it. I would say that reformatting the HDD is really a last resort - much better to just uninstall or delete the stuff you don't need.

Kenneth · 12-29-2006

Hello ecntrc! I also have a Dell machine, and I have formatted it once. I think I have to do it soon again.
Hopefully you got all your software on CD. Like OS and drivers.( don’t know if dell support that anymore)
Then save everything you want to save on external disk or whatever. Then place your original XP- CD in your pc and restart. And just follow the instructions.
It’s a big operation so please beware! But after you will have a new PC!
It might also be a good idea to also buy a new C- hard drive. They are very mechanical and will replaced soon I think.. Or hope.

stiney51 · 12-29-2006

If you decide to erase the machine, then backup everything first and you'll need to do what is called a "Clean Install" when re-installing the operating system. This will whipe out everything before installing the OS. You can find more information on how to do this here:

Clean Install

Good luck!

wombie · 12-29-2006

i'd definatly recommend a format, it will seem like a new machine. just be sure you have a copy of windows and drivers for your audio, LAN and graphics drivers before you do so. If you forget any other drivers at least you can get on the internet to get them this way. Also be sure to back up yours stuff. don't forget things like your fonts and your internet bookmarks, maybe your outlook mailboxes too if you use that.

After the format i would highly reccomend partitioning your harddrive and installing your programs on a seperate partition (the d:/ for example) this way you can use an imaging program such as norton ghost to create an image of your c:/ which you can back up to a DVD. this way if anything goes wrong in the future you can just reload the backed up ghost file and you'll be back to a fresh format in a few minutes.

hope this helps

ecntrc · 12-30-2006

Thanks guys. I appreciate it. I will want to use the computer again but not with whats on it now. I want to completely wipe out everything to either sell it and make sure all crap is out and problems are fixed. Or fix it for my son to use. I bought the computer like december 2001 something like that. Between september or december 2001. These are the disks I have..

Drivers And Utilities - For reinstalling V.92/56k Telephony Data/Fax Modem Software for Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Money 2002 Standard

Norton System Works 2004

Operating System - Reinstallation CD, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition including service pack 1

Application - For reinstalling dell tools system software

Application - For installing/reinstalling Roxio easy CD creator 5.2 basic

Microsoft Office XP Small Business - Microsoft office XP & Small business CD

Drivers & Utilities - Dell dimension resource CD

Dell Owners Manual & a start booklet that comes with the pc..

I just decided to list everything I have.. do you think I can do this myself with what I have??

I know theres something wrong with it, because for one it takes atleast 15 minutes to actually start up, one dialog box that shows up is a .NET framework, I tried installing a patch or whatever and it didnt work.. so I know theres something wrong. I dont know if its a virus also but Im not sure. What can I do? I dont want to spend lots of money to fix this so Id like to see what I can do myself. I want to try and do this without going on the internet also to avoid it getting more messed up but if thats not completely possible then ill hook my internet up with it.. If someone can help me.. Ill appreciate it greatly!!
Please let me know.. thanks guys..

*unleash* · 12-30-2006

Hmm, i think those will do...And if you have any "hardware" that you put in there you should be able to get the drivers from the web. So go after that firstly and then erase the disk.

If you want to erase the complete disk you could go to your command thing(you know the dos style thing you can open in bureau accesoires) and type "C:/" and then "reformat C"

But as said above back it up, and be aware of the time needed for this operation.

ecntrc · 12-30-2006

so once i type in reformat C it all starts and then what? im kind a clueless as to what to do. reformat C and then it does it itself or?

**tamlin** · 12-31-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by ecntrc

so once i type in reformat C it all starts and then what? im kind a clueless as to what to do. reformat C and then it does it itself or?

Well, for a start, the command is FORMAT (not REFORMAT), so the command-line would be format C (to format the C Drive). There are some command-line switches available - type format /? at your C:> prompt to see a list of them.
However, I don't want to patronise you, but if you really are "clueless as to what to do", it might be an idea to get someone with a bit more in-depth knowledge to give you a hand.

*unleash* · 12-31-2006

Sorry for the mistake

I think i was a bit confused....O and i think tamin is right, if you don't know where youre beginning on STOP, in this case then

It is really a lot of work, and a lot of small problems can turn very big if you don't know how to configure your machine. So maybe you should ask someone who can see the PC to help.

zapphnath · 12-31-2006

Also, it should be mentioned, (unless I missed it), that you need your serial number handy. If it's not on a sticker on the install disc or on tha back of the computer, you can use one of many free programs to find out what it is. Here's one:
IntelliAdmin.com: Display serial number of your Windows XP, or 2003 install

ecntrc · 01-01-2007

Yeah I was thinking to just have someone else do it. I do have the serial number, still on the back on the computer..