Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and beginning April 20th, 2021 (Eastern Time) the Yahoo Answers website will be in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.

How do I completely wipe my netbook hard drive?

I have an hp mini 1030nr.

Im trying to wipe my hard drive to start fresh with my computer. How do I do this with a flash drive USB since I don't have a dish drive?

Is there something I can download from a website to clear the hard drive?

THANKS!

Update:

Tori, that sounds amazing. Thing is, when I start up my compter and it goes into the desktop it freezes. My cursor moves but, I can't click on anything. The only time I'm able to use my computer normally is through safe mode.

7 Answers

Relevance
  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    two options that will format and reinstall follow these directions..its easy

    Restore the PC to its original condition with the HP Recovery Manager from within Windows Vista

    If the PC can be started and opens to the Windows desktop, you can use the HP Recovery Manager on the hard drive to restore the PC to the original factory condition by following the steps below.

    Click Start and enter Recovery in the search field. Select Recovery Manager from the list when it becomes available. Allow the action to continue, if prompted. The HP Recovery Manager opens.

    Alternately, click Start , All Programs , Recovery Manager , and then Recovery Manager . Allow the action to continue, if prompted. The HP Recovery Manager opens.

    Click Advanced options , System recovery , and then click Next . The PC will restart and reopen the recovery manager.

    Alternately, if Advanced options is disabled, click Next , and then System Recovery . The PC will restart.

    When the PC restarts, select the System recovery option and click Next .

    If prompted to use the Microsoft System Restore program, click No , and then click Next .

    When prompted, select the Back up your files first (recommended) option, and then click Next . Follow the on-screen instructions.

    When prompted to Recover without backing up your files , please STOP before clicking Next .

    WARNING: This is the final opportunity to change your mind about recovering the PC and deleting all the files and programs. Once you click Next , the restore process cannot be stopped

    If you are satisfied that you want to begin the recover process, click Next . The PC immediately begins formatting the hard drive and destroying all data.

    The recovery process may take up to several hours and will return the PC to its original condition. Any custom settings, drivers, software programs and updates, and/or hardware updates are lost and must be reinstalled.

    Restore the PC to its original condition with the HP Recovery Manager if Windows Vista is not accessible

    If the PC cannot launch into Windows, it may still be possible to use the HP Recovery Manager on the hard drive to restore the computer to its original operating condition. The Recovery Manager can be launched during the start up process by following the steps below.

    Press the Power button to start the PC, and then press the f11 key when the standard BIOS prompts are displayed on the black screen.

    NOTE: Pressing the f11 key during the startup on a computer with an HP factory image will start the system recovery process even if the prompt is not displayed.

    If the HP Recovery Manager can access the recovery partition on the hard drive, a prompt to backup the user files before beginning the recovery is displayed. Follow any on-screen instructions.

    If the HP Recovery Manager cannot access the hard drive to fix any system errors, you will need to use the personalized recovery disc that you created to recover the hard drive to its original condition.

    If you have not created the personalized recovery disc, or the discs are corrupted, you can order a replacement recovery disc from HP.

    When the Recovery Manager starts, follow the step-by-step recovery instructions shown above.

    Resolving a common recovery issue.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    press F11 or combined ctr+f11 at startup to start the restore process. Good luck

  • Anonymous
    5 years ago

    I suggest to do reformat your Hard drive to clean it out. If you mean physical clean just screw your laptop and remove it from you laptop slot.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    You can use this to completely wipe a hard drive.

    http://eraser.heidi.ie/download.php

    I've used it before, it's quick and easy to use.

  • How do you think about the answers? You can sign in to vote the answer.
  • 5 years ago

    That's wrong

  • Anonymous
    5 years ago

    I don't think that's correct

  • ?
    Lv 5
    1 decade ago

    www.killdisk.com wipes your disk by DOD standards

Still have questions? Get your answers by asking now.