HELP PLS re: Using DBAN & Freshly installing software

Goodadvice75

Hi,

We posted on here a long while back re an old PC. We've now inherited an updated laptop so have decided to definitely (finally!) part with the old PC which is just gathering dust.

From the helpful posts last time we understand we need to do these things:

1. Download Driver Back up to copy the drivers (to reinstall them later)
2. Download & run DBAN (to wipe everything)
3. Reinstall Windows XP.

PROBLEM - we have to reinstall disks. We have the PC manual and that tells you how to do a "Smart Restore" but it says "if you have a Master DVD or Master CD for your computer have it ready as Smart Restore may ask you to insert a disc when needed".

The PC is so old we can't remember if it had discs with it originally and are a bit worried about getting to the reinstall stage only for it to refuse to reinstall until we insert a disc we don't have.

Is there a way we can find out in advance whether it is going to ask us for a disc or if the necessary stuff is already on the PC somewhere?

If it is on the PC can we copy it off so we can still use DBAN to wipe everything and then reinstall?

PC is a Packard Bell with XP Home Edition (Model No UTOW/SAN). There is a sticker with a product key on the side of the PC.
Many thanks for any advice about this.

closed

The only way to find out is to try it.

if you haven't got the disc, and are selling it on, forget all about dban, it will wipe everything

factory restore, install ccleaner, tick the wipe free space option, and run it.

If you aren't selling it on, take the hard disk out, and keep it.

Cue extreme OTT disposal methods.