So I'm looking at wiping out my laptop so I can sell it. Here's the problem:
It originally came with XP. Like an idiot I installed Vista. Now I can't go back to XP and I can't do the Alt + F10 function thing like I used to be able to to do a factory restore. I have no CD's, nothing.
How can I wipe this out?
If it's western digital use this.
http://dw.com.com/redir?edId=3&siteI...c8caaeb1162b49
If it's not Western Digital use this.
http://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.js...00f5ee0a0aRCRD
If it's a DELL and you live in San Antonio dial.
779-0693 for 24/7 service
Whats western digital?
A type of hard drive.
WildCobra nice sig
How can I find out? I just wanna make sure there's no info on there at all when I sell it.
What model number is on the back? what brand is it? Did you buy it new?
Heads up: It doesn't matter what you do to your drive the data can be recovered. I should know I used to get paid to recover data.
I'm confused, do you want to wipe it out or do you want to wipe it out and put XP back on it?
I did buy it new. I didn't know it could still be recovered even with a factory restore.....
And I just wanna wipe it out and sell it. I'm not sure if craigslist is the best way to go or not.
Your average laptop user will not know how to recover your data. So delete all your crap and sell it. Your advanced laptop user will wind up buying a new HD anyway since they have a life span that is less than 10 years. Unless you have secret codes for NORAD or pics of Back2Basics nude? I wouldn't be so worried.
Do you live in SA?
you never said what brand it is.
I don't know. Seems to me that Vista is a non recoverable virus.
whole thing with Mouse's questions and links is that you have to start by reformatting, then reinstall XP. The type of hard drive determines the disk to start the process with.
In "Explore," right click on your drive, selecting properties. Then select Hardware. I never used Vista, but i assume that part works the same:
In this case, I have a Western Digital, noted by the WDC WD800BB-75JHA0.
Mouse is right here. Unless you use a good shredder program, the data can be recovered.
You aren't going to sell a laptop as quickly, as easily, or for as much money on Craigslist without an operating system on it. I think the easiest option might be to zero out the hard drive and install Windows 7 on it.
A much more time consuming option would be to either get the original disks, or to find a copy of them online, a restore disk will restore the backup par ion and the operating system, that way the person that buys it will have an OS and Alt + F10 restore capability.
It's also possible that the restore par ion is still there, but the data needed to boot to it is not, that could also be recovered but again that would take more effort.
The brand and model might be useful.
It's a Dell XPS M140 and I do live here in SA.
I used to have a shredder program that I would use for pics, do ents and all that but I deleted it long ago. I don't have anything too sensitive on it, most of my sensitive file folders were hidden and have since then been deleted. Just kinda paranoid about passwords and all that. But that's true, real comp nerds could recover it if needed.
I don't have the XP disk anymore, I lost it. And most newer Dell laptops don't come with disks anymore and teh warranty has expired. I bought Vista at UTSA when I was a student and thought it would be good to replace XP. Bad idea. Since then it drags and I have no idea what to do so I just use my work laptop now. A simple AVG scan takes forever and I'd rather sell it to someone who knows what to do with it because my solution to viruses and any problems was to do a F10 + Alt restore. What sucks is it doesn work with Vista now.
What are you replacing it with and how much were you planning to sell it for?
I'm just gonna buy a desktop and sell the laptop with a carry bag. I have another personal laptop on top of my work one so this one is just sitting there. I saw the same model ding on craigslist for 300 so I'll probably list it for the same.
I'm also cautious about doing a restore even if I did know how to do it with Vista. I don't know what would happen with the operating system.
You guys help this young lad.
If for some reason around 3am tonight you decide you need my Dell restore disc?
I charge a 12 pack,5 joints,or 10 pain pills for my services.
Good Luck!
You can try this:
https://support.dell.com/support/top.../backupcd_form
If you've never ordered them before they SHOULD send you a set of OS disks, but I can't say for sure since it's an older model. If they do they won't send drivers, just the OS.
(These files can also be found on Torrent sites)
I'll try that first with contacting Dell. If not, what kind Mouse? Don't say any type of weird beer either.
DBAN might be what you're looking for.
Darik's Boot and Nuke ("DBAN") is a self-contained boot disk that securely wipes the hard disks of most computers. DBAN will automatically and completely delete the contents of any hard disk that it can detect, which makes it an appropriate utility for bulk or emergency data destruction.
Make sure you read the FAQ or any other do entation you find if you have problems. I once tried it with a floppy (I don't remember seeing an iso for it), but it failed to start the wiping process. At 2.1MB, it won't hurt to try (the CD/DVD iso).
PM5K is right that is why I was asking to know the model of the notebook many manufactures will send you a restore disk for 19.00 dollars or you can sometimes download for free. I just figured you needed this done by tonight.
Try moving or manipulating the files your worried about so if they are recovered they may not show original content. Many times moved folders are harder to locate when doing a data scavenger hunt. Then just do a system restore to a date that is way before you added all your juicy info.
This way you can sell your laptop today! remember post some cool pictures on Craig's list. Act like you don't really know about computers. People love to think they are getting over on someone and got a sweet deal.
Also have a nice story about your daughter who is now in Iraq and doesn't use the laptop anymore and could use the extra money for long distant calls to the home. (learn to milk the human spirit)
It also helps if the laptop comes with..............
PDF edit
Office complete 600.00 dollar version
photo shop
total video converter
virus protection
A battery that holds a long charge
an AC adapter,... etc.......ask for 325.00 so you can get your 300.00
lots of Mexican Jews on Craig's list!
Good Luck!
Last edited by mouse; 08-12-2009 at 01:55 AM.
Believe me, anyone willing to pay 300.00 for that laptop doesn't know about computers or how to recover your files.
Erik, sell me your laptop. CHEAP!
Just wipe it and put linux on it
http://www.linux.org/
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
