HOW TO WIPE A LAPTOP CLEAN CNET INSTALL

Then, take the laptop box (with missing HDD) to a computer recycle store. But if sending the laptop to scrap pile, I would physically 'open it up' and remove its smaller size 2.5' HDD. Opening / removing internal HDDs from Laptops is more complicated. Thus, having 2 x HDDs in my much newer Win xx desktop replacement box.

HOW TO WIPE A LAPTOP CLEAN CNET INSTALL

Or, I would re-confugure this removed HDD as a SLAVE drive, and install in my newer desktop replacement. If needed in the future, I now have a spare HDD under my desk. Or, I'd simply put the computer box at the end of my driveway with a FREE sign on it. I then took that Dell box (with missing internal HDD) to my local computer recycle depot. But, this option is only availble on the newer age computers (that uses a hidden partition for its OS).ДЇor my older Win XP desktop 'tower box' computer, I simply opened the box (3 x thumb screws at its back cover), remove its internal 3.5' HDD, then store its manually removed HDD under my computer desk (to be used as future spare parts). This blows away one's user information as well. When booting up, one can press a few keys, access that hidden partition and restore the computer back to its 1st day usage configuration. Some of the newer computers have its base OS loaded within its own hidden partition.

With today's computer, its much harder to access its internal HDD when booting up from an attached device (like USB stick). Thus, blowing away all its stored info - including operating system, application and data files. In the old days (when Windows xx computers were simple), one could make a boot-able 3.5' floppy disk, access the hard drive from booting from a floopy disk, and using simple DOS commands like FDISK and Format, one could repartition & format its internal HDD. What specific brand and model of computer? What specific OS (Operating System) as well? What year is the computer? When it comes to removing personal data from an old computer box, there's no one perfect soluton.

How to wipe a laptop clean cnet