Does anyone know how to "wipe" a computer?

dttomcat

dttomcat

Joined
Apr 14, 2007
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I have a Dell Precision laptop with Windows XP Pro that caught a virus and is basically non-functioning. No internet capabilty at all. I want to get it running again. I finally located the recovery discs after looking for them for months. They were in the shipping container I have stored in my parents attic. I have managed to copy all of my important work files and now I just want a clean start. Much work involved? :confused: Thank you.
 
Not much work at all if you have the disks...You could find the system restore disk from Dell and boot the laptop with it...Usually, it will find the disk and give you some options to restore to factory original settings when it boots from the disk. Try that route..I'm sure others will reply with further instructions if you need it :)
 
use the system disks you got with the machine and boot from them. then do a clean install when given the option... or get DBAN, boot from disk and do a guttman wipe. everything will be scrambled, then written to zeros. do this at your own risk though.
 
most of the Dells I've worked on recently have a hidden recovery partition that's accessed by pressing a 'secret' combination of keys as the computer starts.

The Precision M6300, however, doesn't have a recover partition so yes, you have to use the recovery disks that came with the computer. The disk should be bootable, so you just insert the CD and restart the computer. Hopefully there are some explicit directions that came with the computer.

Good Luck.
 
Thanks, all. I let you know. What in the world is a guttman wipe? Will this completely erase the HD?
 
It's a security thing. Re-writing data over the hard drive so that the old files can't be recovered. Shouldn't be necessary for your situation.
 
I have a few more quick questions. I have five CDs in front of me. My XP Pro re-install disc (service pack 3), Drivers and Utilities, Application, Roxio Creator (which I think I'll just leave off because I've never used it and it caused some headaches once after the virus on start-up), and Vista ( I think I actually had to pay for a "downgrade" to XP Pro. I'm assuming I will need many updates after the wipe. Is there any risk in having the old stuff on the machine. How much risk is involved in doing this guttman wipe? Should I just take it to someone who actually knows what they are doing? Thanks, again. -DT . NCMT2 - I was typing as you posted.
 
If you have a legit copy of an operating system, there's a drive utility that allows you to format your whole drive, and freshly install the OS. I have tried and tested this with Windows 7 and Mac OS X. It's an easy process. I can't say for Vista or XP Pro though.
 
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You don't need a Guttman wipe. During the install process you'll delete the existing Windows partition, and create and format a new partition.

If you were selling the computer and needed to ensure the new owner couldn't access sensitive or personal information using common file recovery methods, then you'd want to overwrite the drive, or physically destroy it.

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Obviously you'll start with whichever Windows operating system disk, then the drivers disk, then install whatever software you want from the applications and Roxio disks.

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I assume you don't need a lecture on keeping your computer protected from viruses this time around? :)
 
I through with Norton. I will probably re-subscribe to Macafee at my earliest convenience. Any anti-viral help would be much appreciated. How do I connect to the web "unprotected" to update the old software?
 
dttomcat said:
I through with Norton. I will probably re-subscribe to Macafee at my earliest convenience.
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I use AVG myself, free for home use. Or try the Microsoft Security Essentials, again, it's free with free updates. Avast also gets good reviews. Anti-virus software has been discussed a few times here in the Gadgets and Gear section.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=764935

How do I connect to the web "unprotected" to update the old software?
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Temporarily use the Microsoft firewall that's part of the operating system until you get a chance to install a real firewall.

Or use a different computer to download the files you need.
 
This thing is akin to a well cared for muscle car. Barely used. It just got sick. I want/need to put it back on track. I know from experience that you guys can walk me through this. My current XP Dell could take a S%7t at any moment. Stay with me here.
 
Wish you lived closer. I clean, restore, build, and upgrade computers regularly. Just a hobby. Mostly for friends or friends-of-friends in exchange for beer.

I will say that laptops are the hardest to work with. Specialized software and drivers necessary, non-interchangeable and nonstandard components, pricey, limited upgradability, parts unavailable...
 
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Something I tend to do before reformatting/reinstalling is to download all the security/misc software before I do the wipe/reinstall..Put it on either a cd or USB thumb drive. Hope I am not too late with this info..but it kinda looks like you might be on the forums from another computer which helps greatly!
 
^This is why I stay here. I am about to go to sleep. A lot going on in my life. Lots of questions and not enough answers. I know where to come to seek the answers. You guys rock! I'll speak with you after my nap. :) Maybe ~6AM. :confused: :) THANKS! :)
 
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