Removing windows xp?

from WinCustomize Forums
I have a new computer and want to get rid of everything on the old one and try to sell it. Does anybody know how to go about that?
6,659 views 26 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Richard Mohler Hi for me when i buy a new computer, what i do is Format the old one so all my info is no longer there..sometimes it takes a little bit of time, but it is better to lose a bit of time then to have someone have access to your info.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I don't put any info on my PC in the first place.
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Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Format then reinstall Windows..
This can be done using the Windows XP installation disk or a windows 98 boot disk

If using the Win98 boot disk simply type in Format C: at the prompt (where C: it your root drive) All kinds of warnings will appear (designed to give you a chance to back out) Type Y and let it go..
When Format is complete you can opt to either reinstall XP or any other OS back onto the PC

Hope that helps,
Zero.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Formatting doesn't really destroy the data...There are a number of tools that can recover after a format. I would uninstall all proggies except Windows and use eraser (or something similar) available free at http://www.tolvanen.com/eraser/

I don't think you can format from a Win98 floppy if you are using the NTSF file system.
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Formatting doesn't really destroy the data...There are a number of tools that can recover after a format. I would uninstall all proggies except Windows and use eraser


She's right, to be completey safe replace the Hard Drive with a brand new one..(I do think that this is going a bit far, how many of us have data so sensitive that the NSA would want it?)
There are also other free tools to get the same result,on this free disk there are 4 different tools Link
Most times though just a simple format is good enough, unless you have super secret national security type spy stuff..LoL..

Zero.
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I use KILLDISK to destroy all data - wipes it clean.
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
00, most people have personal information on their computers, passwords, registration numbers, etc. that would be best not to turn loose "in the wild". That's why I suggested uninstalling progs & erasing the disk area. Didn't mean to step on your toes.
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Wow...LoL..Did you get that from that??..

No worries, you didnt step on my toes, and I didnt mean to setp on yours (tho my boots cause me to be a bit clumbsy!..LoL)
I was just pointing out that for the average user (which is probably more than the case) a simple format is fine, there isnt an abundance of people that know how to extract information and chances are he wont be selling his PC to someone that does..

But as I pointed out, you are Correct and I thought to offer more free tools in that regard.

Zero.
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
From a little different perspective,

If you have a few bucks to invest in the project, you could just purchase say a 40 GB hard drive, install XP (or not), and add the additional cost to the selling price.

Just a thought.
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Heeeeeeyyyyy..I had that perspective too..::laughs:: 1st!
She's right, to be completey safe replace the Hard Drive with a brand new one..


Now my toes are getting all squished!..j/k

Thats actually what I do personally, I replace the HD's in my old systems before giving/selling them..But it really has nothing to do with security reasons, I used the old drives as slaves in my current systems..More storage/all my old stuff/ less hassel then transferring data..for me

Ah well,
Good luck, in any event.
Zero.
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
If you have a few bucks to invest in the project, you could just purchase say a 40 GB hard drive, install XP (or not), and add the additional cost to the selling price.


40 gigs are still selling for more than 40 bucks these days!

(BTW Zero - Is in really neccesary to sigh each of your post with your name?)
Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Kona, it's a habit, is it against the rules? Just something I have grown accustomed to doing..I apollogize if it bothers you, but it's not likely to change anytime soon.

Take Care,
Zero.
Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top
No it don't bother me - I was just wondering what the deal was.
Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top
No it don't bother me - I was just wondering what the deal was.


Glad I could answer one of the "Easy" ones then for you..::laughs:: it is truely a rare opportunity to do so.

Zero.
Reply #18 from WinCustomize Forums Top
His name is DOUBLE Zero. Very fitting to sign his name with one.
Reply #19 from WinCustomize Forums Top
If you have a few bucks to invest in the project, you could just purchase say a 40 GB hard drive, install XP


Um.. scuse me here buuuuttt...
To begin with.. (if you are concerned about it)If your old PC came with Windows XP, most likely the OS stays with the Hard Drive or system, and is not transferrable to your new system. You are supposed to obtain a new copy of XP for your new one.
If thats the case then I believe you are supposed to supply the OS media with the old system when you sell it.
Licensing will give anyone a viscious headache
Reply #20 from WinCustomize Forums Top
can you still recover deta even if you delete the partitions


Yes, it's possible. Deleting the partitions only rewrites the partition table which is a very samll area on the disk. Similar to deleting which only 'marks' a file as deleted in the directory table. The data is not entirely gone until later when the space is reused by another file.

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Reply #21 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Phoon - I've installed new hard drives on my machine and installed my XP on to them with no problems.

But I'll be damned if I have to buy 2 copies of XP just to run XP on two different machines I built myself from scratch that I use in my home.

I don't have two machines only one - but you know what I'm trying to say.

Another funny thing - I've changed various hardware on this machine of mine many times and have never had to call M$ to re-activate windows.
Reply #22 from WinCustomize Forums Top
DZ,

I guess I need to learn how to read first.
Reply #23 from WinCustomize Forums Top

But I'll be damned if I have to buy 2 copies of XP just to run XP on two different machines I built myself from scratch that I use in my home

One PC one license - it needs to be removed from one before being installed on the next. And from another thread...

Firstly becuse M$ says my XP key is not legal. I have to clue why they say that

Hmmm, wonder why... And here again...

Another funny thing - I've changed various hardware on this machine of mine many times and have never had to call M$ to re-activate windows

Your propensity for speaking in riddles never ceases to amaze   

Reply #24 from WinCustomize Forums Top
MS will let you install Windows XP again, as long as it is only installed on one computer, period.

I have spoken with them, and they said as much.

You would be required to contact them and indicate your intention to sell your computer with the OS installed, and find out what they would require for that to be legal. They may say no, or they may be like Adobe and require you to fill out a form transferring the license to another person - I have not tried this, as I buy new - but I did speak with Adobe about whether or not it is legal to purchase a previous version of their software and then update to the current version.

Yeah, it is approximately $1 per GB for a Maxtor or Seagate drive on sale, but if you are selling the computer to someone - they probably want something that will realistically perform to current standards. Drives by these manufacturer's already have low level formatting, which means they are ready to go. The OS installation CD does the high level formatting, so all you need to include with the computer would be a disc with the chipset drivers, host controller drivers, and any on-board audio and video drivers.

Sorry if I have offended or given anyone the impression I was suggesting any illegal activity.

For that matter, you could always scrap it, or give the components to a non-profit organization and get a deduction on next years tax return.
Reply #25 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I go away for a couple hours and EVERYBODY gets to take a shot..LoL..

As for the "legalities" of transferring XP..::nods:: it's all true, Phoon makes a good point that I did not even consider in my replies..
I have never given or sold a machine with a copy of my XP OS, I usually tell the person or persons they have a choice,(1st recommendation) they can either buy a copy of XP that I will install for them, or I can install one of my older copies of 95-98 (Threw 3.1 out already, thats not an option anymore..LoL)Using the older OS is still not acceptible without permission, I know..but if they cannot afford a decent OS right from the start at least this will give them something to work with until they can!
I know about the free OS's available..I havent used any and I am not going to give it to someone to run blindly due to the reason *I am the one that has to fix the issue's the create..I at least want to be familiar with the OS..LoL

Anyway. Richard, in reflection, I think the best idea is to purchase a new copy of XP (the OS isnt that expensive these days) and just tac it onto the price your asking for the system..::nods:: that is best!

As for XP being installed on one PC..how about this guys..I have 4 HD's in my machine with the same copy of XP installed on all 4 drives..Same PC right??..LoL..kind of a grey area there. I used each HD for very different things so yes it is necessary.

For all of my fans
Take care,
*Double Zero*