Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

How would I wipe a hard drive without going through an OS?

by Celest Kixy Mar 14, 2005 11:04AM PST

I have an older PC that had Windows 98SE on it, but, due to its' age, the OS has become corrupted. The PC thinks it's brand new, and says it needs an activation key. Now,I obviously don't have it. What I'm looking to do is completely erase the OS and then, later, install Linux. Any ideas?

Discussion is locked

1 Posts

- Collapse + Expand Details

- Collapse -

Save yourself the effort and ..

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Mar 14, 2005 11:08AM PST

When you install Linux, just take it's option to use the entire drive. The drive will be erased.

If you insist, KILLDISK will do nicely...

Bob

Back to Computer Newbies forum

CNET Forums

Operating Systems

Software

Electronics & Gadgets

Hardware

Tablets & Mobile Devices

General Help

Brand Forums

Roadshow Autos

Off Topic

Other Forums

Chowhound

Comic Vine

GameFAQs

GameSpot

Giant Bomb

TechRepublic

How would I wipe a hard drive without going through an OS?

CNET Forums

Other Forums

Forum Info