Format hard drive

Richard Shatz · Post by **Richard Shatz** » 8 Nov 2007 12:32 pm

I just got a new computer and I want to completely wipe the old one. The OS is XP pro. Logging on with administrative priviledges I can't get a menu that will allow me to format the drive. What now?
Thanks

Jon Light (deceased) · Post by **Jon Light (deceased)** » 8 Nov 2007 12:53 pm

In XP home, when I go to MY COMPUTER and right click on LOCAL DISK [C:] I see FORMAT in the menu. Does this apply to your situation?

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 9 Nov 2007 3:47 am

Boot the old PC with the XP CD and one of the options should be to format the hard drive.

However, just reformatting the drive does not completely erase everything. You must use some type of security erase program or your private data that is on the hard drive can be easily recovered. Mostly, all the reformat does is flag all the sectors as being available for use, it doesn't really completely erase the data.

Papa Joe Pollick · Post by **Papa Joe Pollick** » 9 Nov 2007 7:58 am

Richard, Best Buy sells a product called "Wipe Drive" that claimes to completely remove every thing.$39.95.
I keep an old P2 on hand because it has "low level format" in the CMOSS.That does the job.
Good luck..PJ

Wiz Feinberg · Post by **Wiz Feinberg** » 9 Nov 2007 5:40 pm

I find that a good size sledge hammer will perform an excellent format of an unwanted hard drive.

Mitch Drumm · Post by **Mitch Drumm** » 9 Nov 2007 9:06 pm

Assuming you don't want to physically destroy the drive with a hammer or saw, try DBAN. It has been around a long time and can be downloaded for no charge at:

http://dban.sourceforge.net/

Complete instructions at that site.

You put it on a bootable floppy disc or CD and just boot your PC from that floppy or CD.

It is very potent and wipes a drive to Department of Defense standards.