reformatting

[sum1nowhere]

I have a Dell 8300 and have reformatted it several times and after each reformatt the hard drive still shows the same ammount of disk space used. So i think to myself "oh that space is overwritable now so it should be ok" but now it is like completely full and it is not over writing any of the space from previous reformats. What the **** am i doing wrong? in case you are wondering this is what i did http://www.windowsreinstall.com/winxphome/installxpcdoldhdd/emulation.htm

 

[xpedient]

try formatting using the long method (not the quick format)

 

[talldude123]

As long as you are using a hard drive set to the main Master setting, and reformatted to NTFS, it should wipe out the hard drive, and install Windows XP with about 3GB used on the hard drive.

If you want to be more thorough, you can do a slower format, to ensure that everything is erased on the hard drive.

 

[sum1nowhere]

I have only ever done the quick method. How would i do the long one?

 

[__Camouflage__]

Get MaxBlast (Maxtor) or DataLifeGuard Tools (WesternDigital) and write your entire drive with 0's for the MOST thorough formatting.

 

[sum1nowhere]

can you be a little more detailed with the process? im a noobie. so after i set it all to 0... i restart? or do i just put in the OS cd and install like usual?

 

[__Camouflage__]

Reboot, put the OS Cd in and run the installation process, that should rid you of your writing problems.

 

[sum1nowhere]

ok i have a question... if im using a program to do this....how does a program erase itself?

 

[talldude123]

What program?

When you're reformatting, you're using the OS CD and the BIOS.

 

[sum1nowhere]

data life guard tools..