How do u wipe ur hard drive off?

[SqUiRm]

hey... my friend has a compaq and he need 2 completely wipe his hard drive. I know theres like something u run or osmething that does it... but whut is it and how? Also.. Will he need a full version of Windows 98 installed after its wiped? lmk

 

[StickHead]

I think your thnking of the format command? To format your hard drive(delete it's entire contents) you will have to use a boot disk and get to the command prompt and type format C: To re-install windows yes you will need a full version.

 

[Ladi]

If the little 32-meg partition with certain proprietary utilities is on the HD (as most compaqs do), make sure you don't get rid of that. You may be best off using the restore disks/CDs that came with the system...they will bring the system back to exactly the way it was when your friend got his system in a very simple process that may be preferable to stumbling around with an unfamiliar procedure.

~Ladi

 

[SqUiRm]

Alright well whut boot disk do i use?? Also, if i just type the command format C: how will it harm the 32-meg partion thing??

 

[apoppin]

Use a soft cloth.



Opps, this isn't OT.

Actually, there are many freeware and shareware disk-wiping utilities. They will completely overwrite the HD sometimes many times. Do an Internet search (CNET or ZDNet is a good place to start).

However, there is no way to completely hide the data by overwriting if it is THAT sensitive from, say the FBI or CIA (other than physically destroying the HD).

 

[paruhd0x]

Hiding evidence? I once saw a TV show where someone had plastique explosive on the HD then the HD was incased in a steal box... so he hit a button and the HD was in pieces inside the steel box... kinda nifty

 

[demenion]

Or also try going to the Hard drive manufacturer website and download a utility to do a low level format.

 

[Hammbone]

maxblast by maxtor is a great formatting utility. just type format c:\ at the dos prompt. or fdisk should work i think.