I need to reformat a laptop

[3xistenc3]

I can't figure out how to "zero" the hard drive of This laptop.

Can anyone help?

 

[corkyg]

That is a Gateway laptop. They usually come with a OS Restore/OEM cd. That is usually bootable. So, you boot to it and let it do a complete reformat and clean install. I assume that's what you mean by "Zeroing out?"

They also usually come with a CD containing all of the specific drivers needed by that model.

Does it run at all now? According to the specs, it came with Windows ME installed. You might want to rethink that and go for XP.

 

[3xistenc3]

Unfortunately, I don't have any of the CDs. Any alternatives?

 

[corkyg]

Sure. You have to have a valid copy of an operating system. Your choice.

 

[SleepWalkerX]

What about dban?

 

[MentallyNorma1]

I recently used that Dban program to fix a problem with an IBM laptop with some sort of hidden partition that would not let me repair or reinstall xp correctly. After dbanning it I was able to install xp correct.

Or you could also go to the disk manufacture of that hd and download their formatting tools. Like PowerMax for maxtor etc.

 

[3xistenc3]

I will try dban tomorrow morning. Thank you for the help.

 

[chairbornrangerx]

that or call up gateway and pay something around $20 for a set of recovery CD's.

 

[corkyg]

Like I said earlier, going through a lot of hoops and works to restore Windows ME might not be a worthwhile endeavor. Buy an XP upgrade package that has SP2 built in.

 

[Raduque]

Originally posted by: corkyg
Like I said earlier, going through a lot of hoops and works to restore Windows ME might not be a worthwhile endeavor. Buy an XP upgrade package that has SP2 built in.

On-board RAM 32-MB on-board memory expandable to 160 MB (Solo 1150CS)
64-MB on-board memory expandable to 192 MB (Solo 1150CL)

I'm not sure that computer would be very usable with XP..... I'd just find a used 98SE oem somewhere, throw it on there (98SE CDs are bootable use it to format) and sell it.

 

[timswim78]

Originally posted by: Raduque

Originally posted by: corkyg
Like I said earlier, going through a lot of hoops and works to restore Windows ME might not be a worthwhile endeavor. Buy an XP upgrade package that has SP2 built in.

On-board RAM 32-MB on-board memory expandable to 160 MB (Solo 1150CS)
64-MB on-board memory expandable to 192 MB (Solo 1150CL)

I'm not sure that computer would be very usable with XP..... I'd just find a used 98SE oem somewhere, throw it on there (98SE CDs are bootable use it to format) and sell it.

You're right, XP might be a bit slow, unless you turn off all of the eye candy. A better option might be to buy Windows 2000 and install it.

 

[corkyg]

Good call, folks, I didn't focus on the system wimpiness. 98SE is probably a good bet - W2K better, but less friendly. How about a Linux variant?