Format Windows 7 Drive to Sell

davestar_delux · 26 Aug 2012 at 17:38

Hi, quick question which ought to be easy, how can I format a drive with Windows 7 on it? I am looking to sell the PC, not too bothered about sensitive data just want the OS off quick.

I used to just be able to do it from within the OS itself choosing to format the drive or worse opening a command prompt but seems it isn't as easy now?

BigBoy · 26 Aug 2012 at 17:42

Only way is by booting from a cd or USB stick with one of the many boot and nuke iso's

Google Dban boot and nuke and you will be sorted.

KIA · 26 Aug 2012 at 19:30

davestar_delux said:
I used to just be able to do it from within the OS itself choosing to format the drive or worse opening a command prompt but seems it isn't as easy now?

You can do it within the OS if the OS isn't running on the drive in question. Hook it up to a spare PC.

davestar_delux · 26 Aug 2012 at 20:08

Haven't got a spare PC, only the laptop. But I can't do the other way either as I have it connected up to a TV which doesn't become active until the graphics is loaded and it is past the boot/BIOS options!

What a fudge.

Raumarik · 26 Aug 2012 at 22:05

Are you sure it's not just taking time for the TV to detect the signal and switch to it? you could try tapping pause at boot or one of the bios load keys. Seen that in the past, my own HDTV isn't exactly snappy at displaying a picture the first time the PC is turned on.

Personally I'd go with Dban btw.