How to I clear a harddrive to use for a new OS?

[LukeMaBoy]

I recently bought a laptop and want to wipe it clean so nothing is left on it. I still want to be able to use it though and I want to install a new OS on it. How would I do this? Should I use a program like CCleaner to wipe it or what? Thanks! Be descriptive in your answer please.

 

[ThatVietGuy]

When you go through the installation process there will be an option to format the hard drive.

Step 8 - http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

 

[LukeMaBoy]

When you go through the installation process there will be an option to format the hard drive.

Step 8 - http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

I already have it plugged into my PC, how would I wipe it beforehand?

 

[ThatVietGuy]

No, like I said, you can do it DURING the installation. Follow the directions and when you get to step 8 you can format the drive to wipe it of any stored data.

You can wipe it in another computer, but that's an unnecessary hassle.

 

[LukeMaBoy]

No, like I said, you can do it DURING the installation. Follow the directions and when you get to step 8 you can format the drive to wipe it of any stored data.

You can wipe it in another computer, but that's an unnecessary hassle.

Is formating what I should do though?

 

[ThatVietGuy]

Format = wiping a hard drive clean (which is EXACTLY what you said you wanted in the first post).

 

[USAFRet]

No, like I said, you can do it DURING the installation. Follow the directions and when you get to step 8 you can format the drive to wipe it of any stored data.

You can wipe it in another computer, but that's an unnecessary hassle.

Is formating what I should do though?

During the OS install, when it asks 'Where', select Advanced.
You will see all existing partitions.
Delete all of them.
Format the one resulting space.
Install.