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erasing harrdrive-want to sell PC
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roger3125
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12. February 2007 @ 13:25 |
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I've heard of downloading a long long download that will completely write over whatever is in the harddrive. I understand this would suffice to enable one to sell their PC without new owner knowing your persoanla date or whhat sites you hav visited in the past.
I alos understand there are both free and cost applications available. Can someone recommend a free one that they have personally used...and ws happy with, of course.
Thanks so much
roger3125
Compaq Presario SR1730T & lapttop Emachine M5405. Windows XP Home, CD-RW, DVD-RW
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AfterDawn Addict
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12. February 2007 @ 17:43 |
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Ill post back in a minute but i know theres a free utility somewere that totally erases your harddrive.
"Some people have no damn sense." - Nephilim, March 27 2007 @ 18:08 |
AfterDawn Addict
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12. February 2007 @ 17:59 |
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Heres the site . . .
www.killdisk.com
This is exactly what you need, and its 100% safe (no viruses/spyware/etc).
"Some people have no damn sense." - Nephilim, March 27 2007 @ 18:08
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roger3125
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13. February 2007 @ 05:46 |
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Thanks peainapod (love that name) I am a novice so by using this application will it mess me up or is it pretty straight forward? Also I noticed at the bottom it said
To be able to use HDD again you need to:
repartition HDD using standard utility like FDISK
reformat partitions using standard utility like FORMAT
reinstall Operating System using bootable CD-ROM or floppy
Is any of these operations difficult to perform?
And last but not least are ther other safe applications that can do the same that are easier to use?
Again, a big thanks
roger3125
Compaq Presario SR1730T & lapttop Emachine M5405. Windows XP Home, CD-RW, DVD-RW
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Senior Member
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13. February 2007 @ 06:04 |
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No, those steps are not that difficult: They are done automatically with Windows and Linux during installation. It's just that killdisk completely wipes the disk, rather than just deleting user files while leaving the operating system intact.
-Do you believe you own your computer and shouldn't be told what you can run and do? Then say *NO* to Microsoft Vista!
-Since half the questions here involve media problems, here ya go: Only use Verbatim or Taiyo-Yuden discs (get your TYs from Rima.com, not Supermediastore or meritline). Forget the rest, no matter what "brand" they sell under. Always burn at 4x speed regardless of the speed rating of this discs or your drive. If you have burn problems with these then you have to update your drive's firmware. For double-layer discs, only use Verbatim DVD+R DL and burn them at 2.4x speed.
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AfterDawn Addict
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13. February 2007 @ 08:16 |
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Like Dunker says, no those steps are not that difficult most commonly. Installing Windows/Linux/Mac OSX would reformat/partition the drives. After you run the active@killdisk your basically left with a blank slate. A harddive thats unformatted and has no partition(s). So like the directions say to use it again one either needs to format and partition it with software like FDisk and FORMAT. Or just install an operating system on it which would do both.
"Some people have no damn sense." - Nephilim, March 27 2007 @ 18:08
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roger3125
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13. February 2007 @ 08:58 |
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Thanks to youi both.
<<So like the directions say to use it again one either needs to format and partition it with software like FDisk and FORMAT. Or just install an operating system on it which would do both.>>
By installing an OS I assume that means to insert the disc that came with my PC. Once inserted the disc will automatically take over and install system...am I correct or am I dreaming again?
You guys re so helpful. Big thanks
Compaq Presario SR1730T & lapttop Emachine M5405. Windows XP Home, CD-RW, DVD-RW
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AfterDawn Addict
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13. February 2007 @ 10:37 |
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Your correct in both cases. If you want to use the disk you just erased just for storage (not to install a OS) then you need to run FDisk and FORMAT on it. (FDisk would make a partition)(FORMAT would format the drive)(you would need both)
But if you are going to install an operating system on it then you just stick the OS install disc in the cd/dvd drive and the install the operatin system. The OS disk will take care of preparing the harddrive for you.
"Some people have no damn sense." - Nephilim, March 27 2007 @ 18:08
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roger3125
Member
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13. February 2007 @ 11:37 |
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Thanks again but just to be certain I understand this and not send my PC into PC heaven allow me to repeat what I think you are telling me.
1. I run killdisk the result will be a virgin blank harddrive
2. I insert the OS backup or whtever that disc that comes with the PC is and it will download the OS onto my harddrive...automatically
3. Once done I will again have a working PC but with no applications
If I do this is ther any need for FDISK or FORMAT (whatever they are)
Lastly without getting me further confused can you tell me what "partitioning" is and if it necessary.
Thanks for putting up with my ignorance
Compaq Presario SR1730T & lapttop Emachine M5405. Windows XP Home, CD-RW, DVD-RW
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AfterDawn Addict
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13. February 2007 @ 18:56 |
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Quote:
1. I run killdisk the result will be a virgin blank harddrive
Yes
Quote:
2. I insert the OS backup or whatever that disc that comes with the PC is and it will install the OS onto my harddrive...automatically
Yes, when installing the OS you may need to hit enter now and again and give the program some other info. But for the most part the process is totally automated.
Quote:
3. Once done I will again have a working PC but with no applications
Yes, you will have a brand new installation of the OS on your harddrive and their will be no chance of recovering files off your harddrive.
Quote:
If I do this is ther any need for FDISK or FORMAT (whatever they are)
Yep, if you isntall an OS their is absolutely no need for FDISK or FORMAT.
Basically partitioning a harddrive is the process of taking the harddrive and making it appear as a harddrive to the computer. (that was a very crude/basic description of partitioning. But for this situation that is all the info that is important to know.
"Some people have no damn sense." - Nephilim, March 27 2007 @ 18:08
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roger3125
Member
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14. February 2007 @ 09:40 |
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Thanks for clearing this up. Naturally as a beginner I'm reluctant to do this but when it is time to move up from this little laptop (and hopefully not my desktop) I will follow your directions to the letter,,,now if I can only figure out where I can copy this info to so I know where to look for it when I need it.
You have been so helpful to me and I hope I can ctinue to tap your wealth of knowledge that I lack.
Speaking of which....you ever use Windows Movie Maker? I'm making my first PhotShow with Windows Movie Maker and my God what an under taking.
Again a big thanks and I will remain in touch if you don't mind
Roger
Compaq Presario SR1730T & lapttop Emachine M5405. Windows XP Home, CD-RW, DVD-RW
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AfterDawn Addict
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14. February 2007 @ 12:18 |
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I rarely make my own movies but when I do I do use windows movie maker. And yes it can be confusing. There was a good guide on making video in windows movie maker in the november 2005 issue of Maximum PC but that is a while back and most likely hard to find a hard or soft copy. If you do need help though I will do my best to help you or direct you to someone/someplace were you can get help. (feel free to send me private messages)
"Some people have no damn sense." - Nephilim, March 27 2007 @ 18:08
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roger3125
Member
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14. February 2007 @ 14:07 |
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Thanks but how does one send a private message on AfterDawn?
Compaq Presario SR1730T & lapttop Emachine M5405. Windows XP Home, CD-RW, DVD-RW
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AfterDawn Addict
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14. February 2007 @ 14:16 |
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Do you see on every post in the upperright of the message there are 3 icons? The one on the far right should be a upper-torso w/ a arrow. Clicking that icon will let you send a private message (about any subject) to that user. So for example if you wanted to send me a Private message you would hit that head icon for one of the replies I posted. And in the new window type your message to me. And I will get it in my inbox.
"Some people have no damn sense." - Nephilim, March 27 2007 @ 18:08
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AfterDawn Addict
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14. February 2007 @ 14:20 |
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I forgot. If you reinstall an operating system (like Windows) and you use the Microsoft key on the sticker on your case then you can't use that serial for any other computer. I figured you may know that but better safe than sorry.
"Some people have no damn sense." - Nephilim, March 27 2007 @ 18:08
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roger3125
Member
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14. February 2007 @ 16:16 |
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Huh?
<<Do you see on every post in the upperright of the message there are 3 icons?>> I don't see any icons in the upper right. Please see attached to see what I see.
<<If you reinstall an operating system (like Windows) and you use the Microsoft key on the sticker on your case then you can't use that serial for any other computer>>
[img]I understand that. Unlike the Mac each PC has its own unique OS disc. I used to be a Mac person and I preferred their way with the OS. You bought the OS disc and you could do what you pleased with it. I usually bought one OS disc and installed it on all three Macs at the time.
Now I'm a full time Windows kind of guy. One reason for the switch is with Mac is was very difficult to find someone like yourself to get help. I am greatful to you for your offer to help[/img]
Wait. How do I attach it?
Compaq Presario SR1730T & lapttop Emachine M5405. Windows XP Home, CD-RW, DVD-RW
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AfterDawn Addict
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14. February 2007 @ 18:26 |
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This pic should explain how to send/write a Private Message.
If you have more questions let me know :)
"Some people have no damn sense." - Nephilim, March 27 2007 @ 18:08
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tnarulz
Junior Member
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15. February 2007 @ 01:05 |
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EDIT got it sorted out
Spellcheck is a nice invention.
Using BitVomit hurts the swarm your in, get a decent client.
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 15. February 2007 @ 01:49
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