Want to format HD on a Dell, have question.

[boomerang]

Some months back there was a post relating to this. But I can't find it in the archives.

Evidently Dell has something in the boot sector, if I remember correctly, that will not allow a full format to take place. Leaves some kinda Dell stuff behind. I hope this makes sense to somebody.

I really want to wipe this thing out entirely. Supposedly there is an utility at the Dell site that will allow this, but I can't find it.

Hoping someone recalls that old post or knows what I am referring to.

I know I could write all zeros to the drive, but I am curious to investigate this.

 

[Ladi]

AFAIK, Dells have no such thing that would interfere with a format/reinstall. The most important thing would be getting drivers for the hardware, which should be easy enough if you have the service tag numbers that are usually on a sticker on the machine itself.

I believe compaqs do have a small partition that has the bios-controlling program and other software, however...Maibee that's what you're thinking of?

~Ladi

 

[boomerang]

Yes, I think that is what I was thinking of. But the post I was referring to led one to believe that Dell was doing that too. One of the replies was from someone (can't remember who) that sounded like they were an employee of Dell. Or at least were very familiar with their computers. I really wish I could find that post.

The post did refer to a partition, that even when formatting the drive, would still remain intact. Maybe my memory is faulty. Maybe it was Compaq the post was about. It was a while back.

I don't want any references to Dell when I'm done with this. All that proprietary software they, and all the other big names install,.... well, I want it gone.

I have the service tag number and all that I need. It's a computer my wife has been using at her office. I just built her two new ones, and this will be a third machine on the network. It's got so much unnecessary Dell related software on it that it will be a pleasure to wipe it out and start over.

 

[Ladi]

Try searching archived posts too...

But, I have several friends with dells who haven't had any apparent problems with frequent formats/reinstalls. Keep the restore CD's handy if absolutely necessary, but I don't see anything that will give you any issues.

~Ladi

 

[Zak]

I reformatted Dell PowerEdge 1400's hard drives few weeks back without any problems. I was able to wipe out the whole drives normally. I did that exactly for that reason: to get rid off of all Dell stuff

Zak

 

[Shuxclams]

<< I believe compaqs do have a small partition >>


32MB on servers and desktops.





SHUX

 

[Bglad]

I own several Dells that do not do that but my dad just bought one of the bargain units they are advertising right now and it is indeed set up like this. However, there is nothing special about the build of the machine. You can wipe it like any other drive and just reinstall all the drivers. It looks like a system similar to Compaq where neophytes can restore damaged files easily.

 

[boomerang]

OK then, I'll just dig in and get with it. Thanks to everyone for the advice.