What is the best way to completely erase everything from my computer?

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xfactor19990

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#1 xfactor19990
Member since 2004 • 10917 Posts
i have my copy of windows, and im ready to install windows xp again lol so how do i reformat it?
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sbarkeri

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#2 sbarkeri
Member since 2006 • 672 Posts
Boot from the XP disk are format your HDD from there.
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X360PS3AMD05

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#3 X360PS3AMD05
Member since 2005 • 36320 Posts
Go into the BIOS and set the CD-ROM to be the first boot device, insert your CD and wait for the prompt to "press any key" on reboot. You can reformat from there.............however to "completely erase everything" you'd probably have to throw it in a tub of acid ;)
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xfactor19990

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#4 xfactor19990
Member since 2004 • 10917 Posts
but currently i have vista, and its jacking up my computer
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xfactor19990

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#5 xfactor19990
Member since 2004 • 10917 Posts
mine asks me about installing or something new, i think the person who put together my PC put a copy of vista on same HDD
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xfactor19990

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#6 xfactor19990
Member since 2004 • 10917 Posts
like all i want to do is get everything off to install xp
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X360PS3AMD05

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#7 X360PS3AMD05
Member since 2005 • 36320 Posts
When you go into my computer how many hard disks show up?
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xfactor19990

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#8 xfactor19990
Member since 2004 • 10917 Posts
one
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rb2610

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#9 rb2610
Member since 2007 • 3325 Posts
The disk should be formatted as part of the installation process anyway if there is only one HD and one partition on that HD, all you should need to do is follw what X360PS3AMD05 said.
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foggy666

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#10 foggy666
Member since 2003 • 1123 Posts
just use quick-format with the winXP install CD, its quick and does the job.
use regular format if the HDD is being formatted for the first time or you suspect disk errors.
in case the CIA are after you, you need to purge the drive with a zero-fill program please note that i dont have experience with this program and i dont take any responsibly for any damage (although i dont see anything that can go too wrong)
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xfactor19990

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#11 xfactor19990
Member since 2004 • 10917 Posts
hmmm ok ill try that way, ummmm ill post again later
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moshakirby18

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#12 moshakirby18
Member since 2006 • 1665 Posts
Electro magnets?
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#13 KOTORkicker
Member since 2007 • 4595 Posts
Erase everything literally? Rip the HD and Mobo out of the chassis and pour molten rock all over them. Or, failing that, smash them to pieces with a sledgehammer. That should erase everything.
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xfactor19990

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#14 xfactor19990
Member since 2004 • 10917 Posts
hahahha u guys know what i mean, i wanna start fresh with a new install of XP
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#15 X360PS3AMD05
Member since 2005 • 36320 Posts
Back-up important stuff, then when you boot from the disc delete all partitions. Create one with a good size for apps, games and windows, then create another one with what's remaining for music, photos, documents etc. Just go roughly 1000MB = 1GB so say you want 80GB like me you'll punch in something like 80*** and create that partition, format NTFS, i use quick format................