How to reset HDD to factory settings

[tbean1]

I have been researching this for awhile and can't seem to find a simple answer. First off, I can't get into windows due to the startup repair loop, which I have spent days trying to fix with no luck. I would just like to restart everything and have a clean system. So I wanted to wipe my HDD to factory settings. The HDD I have is http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148907 and it's http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131851 for my mobo. Since I can't get into windows though can I do it during boot? Is it something my BIOS would allow me to do? I've just never had to this before. Even with reinstalling windows my problem still occurs so I really need to wipe the HDD clean. I saw some posts that said based on the brand, pressing a key or combination of keys at boot would allow for a menu to pop up to reformat the HDD. Any help would be great, thanks!

 

[13thmonkey]

you use the windows install disk and take all of the custom options that you can until you are prompted to repartition/reformat the drive. It'll then it for you. Make sure you have any other drives disconnected and if you do format the drive be aware you will lose everything.

 

[photonboy]

1) You can only restore a BACKUP IMAGE of Windows if it's a pre-built computer such as a laptop or desktop. There is a hidden partition that contains a backup image that can be restored to overwrite the current copy of Windows.

If you built your own computer you won't have this. You MIGHT have it if you installed Windows on a pre-built computer provided you didn't wipe the hidden partition.

2) If you built your own PC and are having strange issues then I suggest doing THIS:

1) update the motherboard BIOS (see manual)
2) run MEMTEST to see if your DDR2/3 memory is working fine (burn a disc from "ultimatebootcd"website)
3) use ultimatebootcd and WRITE ZEROS to the drive by using Activekilldisc (erases all data on the drive)
4) run hard drive diagnostics with ultimatebootcd
5) Install Windows
6) Install motherboard chipset and other drivers (from motherboard site)
7) programs, microsoft updates etc.

8) Finally, create a backup Image using Acronis True Image or similar to a separate hard drive in case you need to restore (Acronis True Image Free at WD site if WD hard drive. "DiscWizard" at Seagate if Seagate drive).

 

[NoAIm1337]

you will need to get into your BIOS. this mobo does offer a single push button for easy access into the bios but i believe this has to be configured. to access bios turn your computer on and you will need to hit either the DELETE button or F12 (some motherboards are different as to what button to press) before windows tries to load from your hard drive.
In the bios you will need to change your primary boot option. change it to CD or USB (depending on where your operating system is stored), and make your harddrive second or 3rd boot option. save changes and reboot. if you have the CD or USB plugged in, the computer will prompt you to press a key to boot to CD or USB. From there follow the installation process for installing a fresh OS install and select your Hard Drive to install it to. This will format you harddrive and clear it completely.

***This is assuming you have a copy of your operating system of course***

 

[tbean1]

Thank you guys for the input and yes it is a homebuild! I am currently at work and will have to wait to get home to confirm if any of these things work! I really appreciate the fast feedback guys! It's hard not living without your pc =P

 

[tbean1]

Also, the only thing I can see with the windows disc for cleaning new windows is either to install now, which I have tried and I know that keeps some of the old windows files from previous installations or this, https://www.google.com/search?q=repair+windows+7+disc&biw=1920&bih=943&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=gDplVOCjFsaQyASzlICwDg&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAw#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=NowEelnW6kuAaM%253A%3B_tgdtYAAhujkhM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fres1.windows.microsoft.com%252Fresbox%252Fen%252Fwindows%2525207%252Fmain%252F66b9e3c2-bb67-47bf-802c-b753b54bcc19_48.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwindows.microsoft.com%252Fen-us%252Fwindows%252Fwhat-are-system-recovery-options%3B410%3B309, which are the other options on the disc. Other than that I can't determine how to install windows 7 again. That's why I need to completely wipe my HDD. I know you can do this without any OS disc because I have had a friend in the past do it on one of his home builds. That's why I was wondering if I can do it from my BIOS or just at boot.

 

[NoAIm1337]

Just change the boot priority in the bios to boot to CD or USB first before the HDD

 

[tbean1]

Yes, I understand that part, but I don't know where on that options menu that I can pick just my hard drive to completely wipe clean. I can get through to the windows disc and everything just fine, but as said before, reinstalling windows again did not clean out all my HDD. It always keeps some of the old windows files, which is where my problem is at. So I want to make it as if I didn't even have windows ever installed on it.

 

[NoAIm1337]

probably because what you are referring to is a windows repair disc and not an actual operating system (OEM) disk. you will need an actual operating system disc to re-install windows completely. and booting to that CD or USB with the full operating disk it will ask you if you want to repair an existing operating system or if you want to install a new instance. Select a new installation and when you choose the hard drive you want to install it on, it will wipe everything off of it. I dont remember off the top of my head but when you are selecting the drive you are wanting to install it on, there may even be an option for you to choose to re-format or erase/format before selecting which drive to install it on. Here is a step by step process.

 

[tbean1]

Okay, maybe I did it wrong the first time, but it is the OEM disk, I was just referring to it wrong. But that won't keep any of the old windows files then? Because that has happened to me before.

 

[NoAIm1337]

no it shouldn't keep any files doing it this way.

 

[tbean1]

Cool, thanks for the help! Really appreciate it!

 

[photonboy]

Hey,
I would recommend trying to follow my instructions up above; in fact I suggest you PRINT IT OUT. In some cases people get problems with hard drives that require a complete ERASE ("write zeros") to erase the file structure etc. (Will take HOURS but there will be absolutely nothing on the hard drive at all).

Memtest is also important.

Since I now know it's an OEM disc setup you did yourself we know there's no "hidden" partition with a backup copy of Windows so follow the 7 or 8 steps I've listed if possible in the correct order.

Other:
Unhook any other hard drive if it exists other than the Windows drive. If you do, then install Windows it's possible to have a boot error upon reattaching a drive as the motherboard may attempt to boot to the new drive despite no operating system. If so, just go into the motherboard BIOS and change the BOOT ORDER so the correct drive is first.

Good luck.