Re-format computer

[mnbrowns]

I'm selling 2 old computers to a computer recycling center and was wondering if anyone knows how I can completely erase everything on them. I've done a lot of banking and shopping on those computers and am worried my credit card information could be buried somewhere in the hard drive.

 

[drgnfly30]

Bump... I've got 4 computers sitting around I'd like to do this too but have no clue where to start!

 

[mtblujeans]

Do you have the original operating system cd (ie. Windows 95 or Windows 98) that you can just re-install the original program?

 

[Christine]

I can't give specific instructions because I can't quite remember the steps, but when you are booting up you have to stop the boot before the operating system comes up. This will throw you into the DOS mode and you can go in and reformat your hard drive from there. It is actually pretty easy. There is a way to completely reformat it which totally wipes EVERYTHING out and then this is like a partial reformat. I've done this once and it's easy. Just can't remember how to do it. You can probably do a Google search on "how to reformat your hard drive."

 

[mnbrowns]

I knew fellow DISer's would have the answers . Thanks!

 

[disney funseeker]

I saw a segment on the news some time ago that said the best way to erase everything was to get a program like "disk-wiper" if you want to donate your computer. And if you just want to toss your hard drive away make sure you smash it to bits.

 

[simpilotswife]

I know the old fdisk command would work in DOS. It might work in Windows safe mode.

 

[aprilgail2]

I usually open them up, take the hard drive out, open it up and smash it to bits..then leave the computer on the curb for the garbage men to take...