How do i make sure a HDD is totally clean?

BaileyB

Hi,

I'm in the process of selling my PC and it had 2 HDD. One is 500gb and the other 160gb which has windows on it.

I'm going to do a clean install and have formatted both drives, but want to make sure they are as clean as i can get them.

Is there any software out there that can do this for me?

Thanks

Baldur

http://www.dban.org/

asininity

Active Killdisk is very very good with all manner over ways of wiping the harddrive however some take time.

BaileyB

Thanks, with the OS do i just give that drive a total clean then reinstall it?

Just wondering how it would work as you need windows to activate the software

Laz123

BaileyB wrote: »

Thanks, with the OS do i just give that drive a total clean then reinstall it?

Just wondering how it would work as you need windows to activate the software

You would use Killdisk to wipe one hd (the one set up as slave), then set up bios to boot from xp cd and install xp on slave, then swop over to wipe the other hd.

asininity

Burn the KillDisk iso to CD boot up from it wipe the hard drive (which ever one you want), insert the xp CD format the hard drive and install XP

davb

BaileyB wrote: »

Just wondering how it would work as you need windows to activate the software

As long as you have the original OS key from the COA sticker on the PC and install from the original CD, then Windows should re-activate with no problem. Best to get an internet connection first, then activate over the net - unless you want to key in a LOT of numbers over the phone.
If it's something like a Dell, it probably won't need activating.

lwbe

I have found installing Windows to be quite easy when going from CD - first make sure you have the activiation key!!! :P

BaileyB

Would this be the same with Vista

davb

BaileyB wrote: »

Would this be the same with Vista

If you mean the activation key, then yes. If you mean is it easy to install, then maybe - depends if you have all the drivers. If there is a system restore CD then dead easy, if just the OS CD and driver CD - not too bad, if just the OS CD, then you will have to download the drivers (after locating them).