clean/format hard drive

[holidayrick]

I am using windows XP Pro and need to clean the hard drive of everything so I can install another software. What software can I use to remove everything off the hard drive ?

[fireballs]

Do you just want more space on your disk? If so goto control panel, and 'programs and features' for vista or 'add/remove programs' in XP (someone else will have to tell you for other OS') and follow the instructions to uninstall programs you don't want.

If you actually want to format your drive you'll have to re-install your OS aswell as all the programs you wanted to keep.

FB

[kpac]

Do you want to remove the system files also? Re-install Windows?

[holidayrick]

I do not want to recovery or add more space I want to erase everything on the hard drive. Just like if you went to the computer store and bought a brand new hard drive.

[kpac]

Have you got your Windows XP CD? If you have, there is a very simple way of formatting....

[holidayrick]

I have tried this many times so far. I have a 20 gig hard drive and only have 18.3 gig before installing another software. I have deleted all partitions and still loose over 1 gig of space.

[kpac]

Wait. We're thinking of something completely different.

Have you got your Windows XP CD?

[Broni]

only have 18.3 gig

...says what?

[holidayrick]

So does anyone know of a software to clean the hard drive or not ?

[Broni]

http://www.dban.org/

[stevejohnson1958]

If you're looking to wipe the hard drive clean of all partitions and data...then reinstall your operating system on said drive...

Why not visit the hard drive manufacturer's website...be-it Maxtor, Seagate, Western digital...download their diagnostic software...and have at it.

If the drive is already installed on an XP machine, separate from the operating system, you can use your Administrative Tools, in XP, as previously recommended.

[kpac]

So does anyone know of a software to clean the hard drive or not ?

Have you got your Windows XP CD? If you have, there is a very simple way of formatting....

I am trying to help you but you're obviously not interested.

[holidayrick]

I have the XP PRO Cd. Now what ?

[Broni]

Boot from it, and follow on-screen instructions to remove all partitions, and format.

[holidayrick]

I have done this several times now and it time I lose hard drive space. So now what do I do ?