Complete wipe

[bigdavecox90]

I have my old desktop running Windows XP, don't know a great deal about computers.

My sister has been using it, therefore not maintaining it.

Is there any possible way of wiping it completely? And please don't say restore back to previous date?

I want to wipe the lot, apart from operating system?

[DieselShaq]

Well, I'm not a computer nerd, but I'm guessing you should reformat it?

Here are a few links that may help:
One (http://www.microsoft.com/australia/smallbusiness/issues/technology/protect/harddrive.mspx)
Two (http://lifehacker.com/software/windows/geek-to-live-how-to-format-your-hard-drive-and-install-windows-xp-from-scratch-157578.php)
Three (http://www.whitecanyon.com/reformat-the-hard-drive-in-windows-xp.php)

[bigdavecox90]

Well, I'm not a computer nerd, but I'm guessing you should reformat it?

Here are a few links that may help:
One (http://www.microsoft.com/australia/smallbusiness/issues/technology/protect/harddrive.mspx)
Two (http://lifehacker.com/software/windows/geek-to-live-how-to-format-your-hard-drive-and-install-windows-xp-from-scratch-157578.php)
Three (http://www.whitecanyon.com/reformat-the-hard-drive-in-windows-xp.php)


Thanks mate, those links look brilliant.

I'll look when I get home.

Only problem I have is, I can't find the XP disc to reinstall? I may have a copy but no product key?

[DieselShaq]

Product keys aren't necessary when you're reinstalling the operating system. At least I never had to enter them when I reinstalled mine.

[scottish]

You need your product key to reinstall it ;\

since the links are there i won't say how to as i'm assuming its on one of the links, its pretty easy.

But remember to note the hardware you have as you will need to reinstall the drivers (if you don't have a drivers available)

[bigdavecox90]

You need your product key to reinstall it ;\

since the links are there i won't say how to as i'm assuming its on one of the links, its pretty easy.

But remember to note the hardware you have as you will need to reinstall the drivers (if you don't have a drivers available)

So I can actually use the copied disc to reinstall?

But how do I get a product key?

[DieselShaq]

Woah really? I've reinstalled my operating systems like, six times and never required the product key...

[bigdavecox90]

Woah really? I've reinstalled my operating systems like, six times and never required the product key...

I wanna be able to do that....

[scottish]

o.0 during the installation bit you should be asked for your product key, then when you go to activate it once you've got the computer up and running it'll check. :P

[bigdavecox90]

o.0 during the installation bit you should be asked for your product key, then when you go to activate it once you've got the computer up and running it'll check. :P

Eh!? Speak English mate....

[Recursion]

You have to use the product key to install windows unless its an illegal, or OEM version. If its an OEM PC like HP or Dell, then the key WILL be on a sticker on the side, its a legal thing. If it isn't then the company will get into trouble and you can ring them up about it.

Vista will let you install it without a product key for 30 days, and then you must activate it with a product key.

[DieselShaq]

I've used Dell computers pratically all my life but I've never been asked to enter a product key when installing Windows... The Windows shouldn't be illegal, since they came with the computer...

[bigdavecox90]

So basically I can't do the wipe unless I have a product key?

[scottish]

Dell's keys are OEM which is tied to the motherboard, so if you install it on another motherboard it won't work as it's different, that how dell comp uters don't use a key to reinstall. ;)

[Recursion]

I know in OEM things, like Dell, the installer checks the manufacturer in a table in the BIOS that is hidden from users. Thats how I can download Dell OEM Vista disks and install them on my Dell laptop without any troubles like keys etc :P

[DieselShaq]

Oh, okay, so that solved my problem. It looks like you do need the product key to reinstall, then. I'm not sure of any other ways to completely clean your hard disk...

[bigdavecox90]

Oh, okay, so that solved my problem. It looks like you do need the product key to reinstall, then. I'm not sure of any other ways to completely clean your hard disk...

:(

How annoying! I guess you can buy product keys?

[Blue]

Or just get something illegally :P

[scottish]

To get product key you need to buy the software :P

[Recursion]

No, it comes with the computer.

Actually, if its still installed, you can get the key, download "Magic Jellybean Keyfinder" it will tell you the key for most of your software and OS installed, I use it all the time :)

[bigdavecox90]

No, it comes with the computer.

Actually, if its still installed, you can get the key, download "Magic Jellybean Keyfinder" it will tell you the key for most of your software and OS installed, I use it all the time :)

I guess that would work?

[Recursion]

http://magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

Have fun, its a fantastic peice of simple software when you loose keys etc.

[bigdavecox90]

http://magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

Have fun, its a fantastic peice of simple software when you loose keys etc.

And that will even work for Windows XP?

[Recursion]

Yes. *makes longer*

[scottish]

Various other programs aswell listed;

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/productkeysactivation/tp/topkeyfinder.htm

[bigdavecox90]

Thanks for advice guys, will look when I get home.