Return the computer to leasing computer

[Jason]

We are going to return the windows 2000 professional workstation to leasing
company after 3 years use.

The HD is formatted as NTFS. What is the easiest way to erase all user
files in the HD ? Can I perform a Disk Format within Windows 2000
Professional ?

Thanks

 

[Laura E. Hunter \(MVP\)]

Your best best would be to boot to a floppy disk and format the c:\ drive
from there. You can't format the disk that Windows is installed on from
within Windows, since it will not be able to format itself.

Alternatively, if you still have the "Quick Restore" disk that came with the
PC (most leasing companies provide this), then you can use that to return
the PC to its original installed state; this will also erase your data as
well.

--
Laura E. Hunter
Microsoft MVP - Windows Server Networking
Author: _Active Directory Consultant's Field Guide_
(http://tinyurl.com/7f8ll)

All information provided "AS-IS", no warranties expressed or implied.
Replies to newsgroup only.

 

[Rob Stow]

Your best best would be to boot to a floppy disk and format the c:\ drive
from there. You can't format the disk that Windows is installed on from
within Windows, since it will not be able to format itself.

No. Merely formatting a disk is *not* a good way to wipe your
data.

You need to use a proper disk-wiping tool such as SDelete from
www.sysinternals.com.

Alternatively, if you still have the "Quick Restore" disk that came with the
PC (most leasing companies provide this), then you can use that to return
the PC to its original installed state; this will also erase your data as
well.

No. User data files may have their entries in the MFT or the FAT
erased, but the actual data will still be there and will be
recoverable by anyone with the proper tools.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

We are going to return the windows 2000 professional workstation to leasing
company after 3 years use.

The HD is formatted as NTFS. What is the easiest way to erase all user
files in the HD ? Can I perform a Disk Format within Windows 2000
Professional ?

Thanks

To protect your personal web browsing habits, information, business
information and data from any future users of average skills, you
should, at the very least, format the hard drive and reinstall only the
OS and those applications whose licenses are to be included in the
transfer. If you wish to do a more thorough job of protecting your
personal data, WipeDrive 2.2.1
(http://www.accessdata.com/Product07_Overview.htm?ProductNum=07) meets
U.S. DoD standards for securely cleaning surplus unclassified hard
drives, and could be used before formatting and reinstalling the OS and
applications.


--

Bruce Chambers

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