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Question

Wipe or replace hard drive in dated computer?

by Mar 20, 2020 7:14PM PDT

I’m buying new components for my computer I had in college and I really like the hard drive I have (WD Black2TB). I’ve never wiped a hard drive before and it was having a hard time before I even put the computer to rest. I don’t know if I picked up some malware from being an idiot college girl or something else but either way many years have passed and I’m ok will a clean slate.

What’s the best process for this? Would replacing the drive just be easier since it’s not super expensive? Just while I’m quarantined I’d really like to play some games.

Discussion is locked

4 Posts
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Answer
For me pretty easy.
by Forum moderator Mar 20, 2020 7:20PM PDT

You didn't reveal which OS you are going to install so I can't be too specific but both Linux and Windows let's us remove all partitions before the install starts so the drive is effectively wiped.

That said there are folk that will replace an entire PC or drive because they can't use the menus during install to get this done.

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OS
by SullivanJune Mar 20, 2020 7:24PM PDT

I plan to install Windows 10. If there are menu options for this that would be the best route, thank you. This is my first time trying to dig up an old PC and try to run it

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before doing anything
by mejustsayin Mar 20, 2020 7:33PM PDT

you need to see if your computer will run win10. go to the computer manufacturers website, look for the specific model and see if there are any win10 drivers. If no drivers, then it may be better not to use win10.

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Currently running Win 7
by SullivanJune Mar 21, 2020 6:50AM PDT

Thanks for you help, I put the computer together back in 2012 so I’m a little out of touch. I’ll see what I can find!

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