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 Microsoft Windows XP - How to complete format?

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TSwatabakiu
post Dec 20 2018, 11:23 PM, updated 6y ago

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I have a laptop that runs on Microsoft Windows XP, and before I give it out to another poor soul, i want to complete format this laptop? How to do this?
dylan_chng
post Dec 20 2018, 11:35 PM

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Windows XP very hard to reset. Have to fresh install, hunt down drivers from sketchy websites.

Only 'easy way' is if the OEM (if applicable) features a reset option.
netmatrix
post Dec 21 2018, 02:54 AM

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Create a new account in control panel.
Log in to new account.
Delete old account in control panel.
CCleaner & defrag.
Should be enough as a recycled pc.
WebWalker
post Dec 21 2018, 07:57 AM

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Does your notebook came with Windows Startup (or Recovery) CD?

If your answer is yes, boot up your notebook via that CD and do a "factory reset"

This post has been edited by WebWalker: Dec 21 2018, 07:57 AM
TSwatabakiu
post Dec 21 2018, 08:25 AM

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QUOTE(dylan_chng @ Dec 20 2018, 11:35 PM)
Windows XP very hard to reset. Have to fresh install, hunt down drivers from sketchy websites.

Only 'easy way' is if the OEM (if applicable) features a reset option.
*
I mean to have formatted, if possible, with no OS installed. The next owner may decide which OS he wants to use

QUOTE(netmatrix @ Dec 21 2018, 02:54 AM)
Create a new account in control panel.
Log in to new account.
Delete old account in control panel.
CCleaner & defrag.
Should be enough as a recycled pc.
*
That's a thought! But i think XP is so outdated, so thinking of doing complete format.

QUOTE(WebWalker @ Dec 21 2018, 07:57 AM)
Does your notebook came with Windows Startup (or Recovery) CD?

If your answer is yes, boot up your notebook via that CD and do a "factory reset"
*
Unfortunately, it doesnt :sad:
dylan_chng
post Dec 21 2018, 09:04 AM

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QUOTE(watabakiu @ Dec 21 2018, 08:25 AM)
I mean to have formatted, if possible, with no OS installed. The next owner may decide which OS he wants to use
*
You mean format the HDD?
TSwatabakiu
post Dec 21 2018, 12:11 PM

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QUOTE(dylan_chng @ Dec 21 2018, 09:04 AM)
You mean format the HDD?
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Yes, i suppose. So what i have in mind is to have a blank laptop, no OS or anything
dylan_chng
post Dec 21 2018, 12:48 PM

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QUOTE(watabakiu @ Dec 21 2018, 12:11 PM)
Yes, i suppose. So what i have in mind is to have a blank laptop, no OS or anything
*
oh, like that easy if you have spare computer. With a spare computer that works, plug in the hdd you want to format. so should have two drives. Boot spare computer and if Windows go to This PC/My Computer, right click on drive and format. Linux also can.

If your spare computer can only have one drive at a time, can try booting a Linux distro through USB.

You can also try dban.
acbc
post Dec 21 2018, 12:54 PM

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Google is your friend. Use it!

https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-wipe-a-hard-drive-2624527
karthyhu
post Dec 21 2018, 01:53 PM

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if know how to reformat winxp then by using same method. when u reach where u choose which partition to install delete all partition and power off your pc/laptop

This post has been edited by karthyhu: Dec 21 2018, 01:53 PM
Skylinestar
post Dec 22 2018, 05:04 PM

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QUOTE(watabakiu @ Dec 21 2018, 12:11 PM)
So what i have in mind is to have a blank laptop, no OS or anything
*
just delete all partitions.
u can try to use bootable version of gparted. or boot a live Ubuntu and delete everything in the harddisk

 

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