Removing/clearing/reinstalling

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Barb - 03 Jul 2003 04:36 GMT

I upgraded from Windows ME to XP. I now plan to sell the
computer, and I would like to completely clean it out,
but leave XP installed. I have tried to reinstall XP, but
it does not work. My restoration disks that are Windows
ME will not work, since XP is installed. Does anyone know
how I can do this? I just want to be sure all info
related to me is gone.

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Indigo - 03 Jul 2003 10:25 GMT

You'll need a bootable floppy that has the FDISK utility
on it. Boot to the floppy, run FDISK.
Delete the partition, and reboot.
Make a new partition and reboot.
Format the hard drive. (Format it 11 times if you're
really paranoid ~ Data foreniscs has a really hard time
recovering anything after the 10th consecutive format).
Reinstall XP.

Pax,
Indigo

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BobDelaney - 03 Jul 2003 16:10 GMT

Boot from the Windows XP CD, and run a Repair operation. Go to the
Recovery Console, and choose format. Reformat the hard disk. Re-install
Windows. You may need an old Windows 98 CD or Windows Me CD (not the
Recovery disk set that came with the computer). Once done, be sure to give
the new owner your Windows XP CD as well.
--
Bob Delaney
Microsoft Desktop Systems MVP

> I upgraded from Windows ME to XP. I now plan to sell the
> computer, and I would like to completely clean it out,
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> how I can do this? I just want to be sure all info
> related to me is gone.

Reply to this Message