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odannyboy000
06-26-2005, 11:25 PM
I want to reformat my computer. i.e. uninstall everything and reload Windows XP. The only thing is I am not certain on how to erase everything. Do you have to run a program that erases my hard drive, or can I simply run my computer in "reformatt mode" or whatever its called I forget. Someone help me please!! I need to do this soon.
PrntRhd
06-26-2005, 11:37 PM
You can download the utilities for your HDD from its manufacturer which includes a low level format choice. Generally these are free downloads.
Paleo Pete
06-27-2005, 12:08 AM
Or just use the XP installation CD, when it gets to the screen to select which partition to use, read the options and you should see an option that formats the drive.

That said, I prefer the manufacturer's drive installation utility, works great and is usually a lot quicker. Find it on the drive manufacturer's website. Let us know what brand hard drive and some of us might even know what program name to look for.
odannyboy000
06-27-2005, 01:20 AM
I'm sorry what does HDD stand for? Also how can I find out what brand my hard drive is, I bought be computer from dell a couple years ago so I don't even know.
Paul Komski
06-27-2005, 02:49 AM
HDD = Hard Disk Drive.

Open the case and read the maker off the HDD or download Belarc or Everest. The serial number of the HDD in the BIOS setup or elsewhere should also enable identification of the maker; eg STxxxxxxxx will be Seagate HDDs.

Belarc Download (http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html)
System Information Utilities (including Everest Home Edition) (http://www.snapfiles.com/freeware/system/fwsysteminfo.html)
odannyboy000
06-28-2005, 12:49 AM
its a western digital 80 GB hard drive. 7200 rpm more than likely....thats pretty standard.
"WDC WD800BB-75CAA0" that is the code it gave me.
Paul Komski
06-28-2005, 02:37 AM
The WD utilities can be got from:-
http://support.wdc.com/download/index.asp?cxml=n&pid=999
ShardOfJustice
06-28-2005, 03:25 PM
Why are you formatting your computer? If there are some problems you are concerned with the people here at the forums can help you with it.
As someone once said to me when I first joined "formatting is like cutting of a head to cure a headache".
odannyboy000
09-09-2005, 05:11 PM
no problems. just want to erase all that **** that is on it.