[Resolved] Windows 98 erasing hard drive

**Martin** · 3rd October 2009

I want to put my old 2001 Dell Desktop with Windows 98 on the curb for recycle. I would like to erase all information on it prior to throwing it out.
The computer is not connected to the Internet and does not have a USB device. I don't have any more floppy disks and I am not overly concerned with safety. I'm looking for a quick fast fix (a quick delete) and not

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35 passes with different patterns to override the hard disk

I found various tips with google search but nothing really hit. They are either too complicated or don't seem to apply (like reinstall).

I just want to make sure that not any unsophisticated computer guy can get to my not too important information. Based on this last sentence and the fact that I don't want to spend too much time on this is there a quick solution like a "FORMAT C" - command in the Dos Run window?

Thank you very much for your help

retiredlearner · 3rd October 2009

Download and use Delpart.exe It will wipe the HDD clean. If you want to use the HDD again you will have to use FDISK and Format. I take it you just want to clear the HD of any info and not retain Windows98? Neil.

**Miz** · 3rd October 2009

I know of no way to do it without a floppy or a bootable CD. If you boot into DOS to tell it "format c:" you would be telling it to delete itself, which it cannot do.

If you have an XP CD, you can boot to it and use it to repartition and reformat the drive. Just be sure to reformat in FAT32, not NTFS.

You do not have to install anything after that; just take out the XP CD and shut it down. The new owner will just have a blank hard drive on which they can install whatever they like.

**Martin** · 7th October 2009

Thank you Miz and retiredlearner for your fast reply, and sorry for my slow reply. I was buried in work, but, as of today, I am free at last - or at least until next week.

I was contemplating a sledge hammer. However I managed to get hold of floppy disk (I haven't touched those in 7 years, I guess). I even was able to create a bootable disk - more by luck - and with Delpar.exe the computer is now sufficiently clean. It starts up in DOS saying "No operating system" or something to that extent.
I'm sure some of my data and programs are still on HD but the kid next door won't get it that easy ...

Again, thank you very much for you fast help and response.
Best wishes,
Martin

PS. I think I read somewhere that, etiquette requires that if the problem is solved I am supposed to mark it as such. I consider my problem solved, but I don't know if is there a special check-box in this thread or on this page where I can mark it as solved?
Anyhow, it's solved. Thanks.

**Admin.** · 8th October 2009

I've marked this thread as 'Resolved'.

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