How do i overwrite windows xp and delete all my files so its like brand new.

Question

My mom is trying to give my sister her laptop but she wants to delete all her data and overwrite xp so it's like new. We have tried to use all the methods that windows gave us but non of them where successful. plz help me so i can finally shut her up.

Answer 1

If there is a BEST BUY store near you, they have GEEK SQUAD inside of their store and what they will do is delete all files on the computer and turn the computer back to what they call factory mode, which means that the computer has no files on them and the setting is as if you just bought it from the store. I don't know how much this would be, but they can certainly help you out. Call for a price on this.  

Answer 2

if you have recovery cds (if not then make some) then restart the computer and repetadly tap del or F10 or something so it opens the bios (basic input output system) in the bios you need to set it so that the pc starts from cd. Once you have done that, save it and exit it and then pop your cd in, when prompted press r to display recovery options. Now do a format recover (normally pressing F will do this). when it has completed it will be as if you have just bought it and all the files will be gone. Hope this helps, Benjie.

p.s: you can also do the same with an actual windows disk.

Answer 3

you will need the actual windows disk, if you have one just pop it in and reboot to disk

if not just go download this http://www.thinkgos.com/downloads burn it to a disk (google how to burn an .iso) and during install tell it to use the whole disk, that will wipe everything out installing a cool operating system

Answer 4

Make sure the laptop is plugged in, and as the computer turns on press alt and F11 and then it'll say wipe hard drive! thats all, but make sure you back everything up first!! but the laptop HAS to be plugged into an outlet when you do it :) hope I helped, i've been there many times (: