Formatting for dummies - software available?

Ronald Epstein · 03-05-2004, 07:45 AM

What is the easiest way for one to
completely format the hard drive of
a computer that is about to be thrown out?

I need to know specifically if it can be
done through Windows 98 software or through
the installation of a separate piece of software.

My friend thanks all of you for the help.

03-05-2004, 08:50 AM

Do you want to make sure no one ever gets access to any old data or is a simple format ok?

If you just want to remove everything just enter DOS and type format c:

brentl · 03-05-2004, 09:08 AM

If you have a good drill and metal bit just drill all the way through the case in a coupla spots.

Works great.

I also understand that you can still retreive info from a formatted HD.

Brent

SethH · 03-05-2004, 10:42 AM

Look for PartitionMagic (not free). It is a wonderful partitioning program and has a secure erase function. Also, if don't ever want to use it, you could just take it out and put a large magnet on top of it for awhile.

Patrick Sun · 03-05-2004, 11:51 AM

If it's a Maxtor or Western Digital hard drive, you can go to their website and download MaxBlast tools or WD Diagnostics, which will allow you to create a boot disk that will allow you to low level format the hard drive in question (writing all zeroes to the drive is the same thing as a low level format).

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StephenL · 03-05-2004, 12:21 PM

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Christian Behrens · 03-05-2004, 02:05 PM

I second the low level format. But if you only need to remove a couple of personal data files, this will be enough in 99.99% of cases:

http://www.heidi.ie/eraser

Yes, it's free!

-Christian



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