How to Delete All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Operating System

Table of contents:

How to Delete All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Operating System
How to Delete All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Operating System

Video: How to Delete All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Operating System

Video: How to Delete All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Operating System
Video: How To Defrag Windows 7 Hard Drive Quickly - How To Defrag Your Hard Drive Easily 2024, December
Anonim

Deleting all files from the hard disk will make the computer unable to function. However, your computer will still function if you only delete most or all files that are not related to the operating system.

Step

Clear All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Step 1
Clear All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Step 1

Step 1. Back up all the files you need, for example by saving them to a CD or external hard disk

Clear All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Step 2
Clear All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Step 2

Step 2. Go to "My Computer" via the Start menu, then right-click on the disk partition whose contents you want to delete

Clear All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Step 3
Clear All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Step 3

Step 3. In the drop-down list that appears, select "Format

.."

Clear All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Step 4
Clear All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Step 4

Step 4. Select NTFS (New Technology File System) as the type of file system you want to use

NTFS is the new Windows format standard, and allows it to be applied to hard drives up to 6 terabytes (6,000 gigabytes) in size.

Clear All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Step 5
Clear All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Step 5

Step 5. Set the allocation unit as large as possible, and for large disks, it is recommended to set it to 4096 bytes

Clear All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Step 6
Clear All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Step 6

Step 6. Select "Start", then proceed past the warning about all hard disk contents being erased

Clear All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Step 7
Clear All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Step 7

Step 7. Wait a few moments, according to the size of the disc

When finished, the contents of the hard disk/partition will be lost.

Tips

  • In order to permanently delete files, you must use a program that overwrites the "free" space on the disc so that the previous contents of the disc are lost. One of the open source programs available on sourceforge, namely Eraser, can help you with this process.
  • If you have a copy of your computer's operating system on a CD, you can simply reinstall the operating system. The process of reinstalling the operating system will erase the contents of the hard disk automatically.
  • Be aware that files are not completely lost until they have filled their place on the disc. Before they are replaced, files can be easily recovered using tools like GetDataBack & PC Inspector File Recovery.
  • Most new computers recommend that users back up copies of all software when purchased. If the copy is used, all files will be deleted, and the computer will be restored to a "new" state.
  • You don't need to format the disc before trying a program like Eraser or the like.

Warning

  • Make sure that you have the operating system installation CD before attempting to format the disc that holds important system software.
  • DO NOT use this method, unless you know that the disc used no contains a computer operating system. Windows XP has a tool that works to recover saved space on the hard disk, which is called the "Disk Cleanup Tool". Use the tool.

Recommended:

3 Ways to Install a New Operating System on Your Computer

3 Ways to Install a New Operating System on Your Computer

Is it time to update your operating system? Want to switch from Windows to Linux? Maybe you want to try dual-booting (one computer with two or more operating systems) at the same time. Follow this guide to install a new operating system on your computer.

How to Install an Operating System on a New Computer (with Pictures)

How to Install an Operating System on a New Computer (with Pictures)

This wikiHow teaches you how to install an operating system on a new computer. If using Windows, you can install the operating system by inserting the installation CD/USB, then starting the computer from the CD/USB. If you buy a new Mac computer, the operating system is usually installed, but if the Mac drive was freshly formatted, you can reinstall the Mac's default operating system using Internet Recovery.

How to Make a Computer Operating System (with Pictures)

How to Make a Computer Operating System (with Pictures)

The operating system allows the user to interact with the computer hardware. The system is made up of hundreds of thousands of lines of code. Usually the operating system is made using the C#, C, C++, and assembly programming languages. The operating system allows you to browse your computer while saving and executing commands.

3 Ways to Block Apps or .EXE Files from Running on Windows

3 Ways to Block Apps or .EXE Files from Running on Windows

As a system administrator, you may have encountered users abusing various types of applications on network computers, which could harm your system. If you're looking for a way to block apps or files, there are several options you can do. Step Method 1 of 3:

How to prevent applications from running automatically when a Mac is running

How to prevent applications from running automatically when a Mac is running

This wikiHow teaches you how to prevent apps from running automatically when you start your Mac. Step Step 1. Open Apple menu . Click the black Apple icon in the upper-left corner of the screen. Step 2. Click System Preferences… Step 3.