Reformatting

I need to send my old computer back to dell because I got a new replacement from them. How do I reformat the computer to restore it to defaults so no personal data is left?

If your computer came with an install disk, boot to that disk and follow the instructions.

If if didn't come with install disks, there may be a recovery partition. You have to boot to that. If may be available by taping the F12 key on boot.

Either way, your personal data may not be completely erased. Maybe someone here has a program that will do that. This program states it will erase data: http://sourceforge.net/projects/eraser/

So would the best thing to do is have a professional reformat? I dont think i have an original install disk anymore

If there is data on there that you really want erased, then you should probably hire a professional.

If the data isn't all that sensitive, just reformat it.

Look thru the programs listing and see if there's a Dell Recovery Manager or something like that.

ya i want all personal info removed with no root files left

I recommend using KillDisk. It'll completely erase your hard drive. No need to reinstall the OS as they'll check that if they refurbish it.

sweet thanks!!!

You're welcome.

KillDisk never erased my data. just only killed 2 sections of it. what do i do

Try Any Drive Formatter?

Unsure which to use and how to work them

Itachi21 wrote:

KillDisk never erased my data. just only killed 2 sections of it. what do i do

What options did you use? I always use the KillDisk Free option from the menu after booting the disc and select the top node(should say something like 80h(mine for example) and list the specs on the right with the full size and cylinders) and never had any problems. Then again I burned it probably last year sometime(probably outdated now) and I haven't had any problems so no need to burn a new one.

what disk?