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    Is there a way to remove everything off a computer except Windows XP?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by octavia, May 6, 2008.

  1. octavia

    octavia Notebook Evangelist

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    I have a Sony Vaio that I used to keep as a backup, but I don't need it anymore. The problem is that I want to sell it on Ebay but I lost the Windows CD. I wanted to format the PM before selling it but I figure that without a working operating system I won't get much for it.

    So, is there a way to completely delete all my files and information while keeping the OS?
     
    octavia, May 6, 2008
    #1
  2. Lithus

    Lithus NBR Janitor

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    Unless you have a recovery partition, you'll need an OS disk. You probably want to bit-format it a few times anyways.
     
    Lithus, May 6, 2008
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  3. jin07

    jin07 Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    You could use a file shredder type of program to permanently delete stuff you want to get rid of. I know spybot has a file shredder program, but I don't know of others that I could recommend. I haven't looked into that kind of software.
     
    jin07, May 6, 2008
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  4. eleron911

    eleron911 HighSpeedFreak

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    TuneUp Utilities has a file shredder also. 30 day trial.
     
    eleron911, May 6, 2008
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  5. nobscot6

    nobscot6 Wise One

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    some information will still be on the hdd if you don't wipe it. File shredders are great, but will you remember to delete everything w/ private/personal information??


    I personally wouldn't risk it......
     
    nobscot6, May 6, 2008
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  6. masterchef341

    masterchef341 The guy from The Notebook

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    just find or borrow a windows install cd. as long as you know your key you are set. you can also use software called "magical jelly bean key finder" or something like that if you need to write down the key.
     
    masterchef341, May 6, 2008
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  7. timtravel42

    timtravel42 Notebook Virtuoso

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    If you have Mcafee, it also has a file shredder
    Just to make sure there is nothing that is easily recoverable when you are finished, use something such as Recuva
     
    timtravel42, May 7, 2008
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  8. Nocturnal310

    Nocturnal310 Notebook Virtuoso

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    If u dont format the guy can use 'Undo Delete' or 'Recuva' to easily recover all your Data.
     
    Nocturnal310, May 7, 2008
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  9. eleron911

    eleron911 HighSpeedFreak

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    Not if you use file shredders. That`s what those are for.
    But you just can`t remove every personal thing.It`s virtually impossible.
    I`d call the supplier and ask them if they can provide you with a different XP disk,at a cost , but still not as much as the original one.
     
    eleron911, May 7, 2008
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  10. mckinneydij

    mckinneydij Notebook Geek

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    I guess the answer to your question is not entirely. A safe way to proceed is to use Active Killdisk to thoroughly wipe your hard drive (3 to 7-pass DoD) prior to re-installation of the OS. You should still have the Windows key ( you paid for a license) either on the underside of the notebook or written down somewhere. I would use another Windows disk to re-install.
     
    mckinneydij, May 7, 2008
    #10