From USB things plugged in to machine issues. It is a gift so why not install Linux and move on?
Bob
Hello,
After I bought a new computer I wanted to reinstall Windows XP on the old one to wipe the hard drive so I could donate it. I booted from the XP disc, deleted all partitions, and began the install, but it hangs up just after "installing devices" at the point where it tells me "setup will complete approximately: 33 minutes"
I've tried powering the machine down and restarting several times. Three times it resumed the installation at the T-39 mark and hung up again in exactly the same spot. Twice it tried to do a fresh install, then hung up at exactly the same spot.
I've seen some answers to similar posts recommending swapping out video cards and the like to, but I am minimally "techie" and just want to be rid of this machine safely. Ideally, I'd like to get XP reinstalled for the recipient. Any ideas? At minimum, I want a clean hard drive. It looks as though the partitions I deleted before the first reinstall are indeed gone, so can I assume it's safely wiped and whoever I hand the machine off to can't easily access my files?

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic