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by I Need Answers Please: How do i delete all files on my computer?

How do i delete all files on my computer?

Best answer:

Answer by Yannick Jolie

This can be done by re-installing windows completely.

Answer by jaime

Do a clean install of your operative system, insert your Operative System CD/DVD(windows, OS/X Linnux, etc) and select to do a brand new install or clean install, this will reset the system and allow you to wipe out all information on the hard drive.

Or, if you don’t actually need to reset your system and only want to cleanup your system from unwanted files. there is several good little programs which allow you to find and delete all junk files within your hard drive. one example is file shredder http://www.fileshredder.org/

let me know more if these options don’t help.

Answer by Paul T

It depends on what you want to do.

1. If you want to re-install you operating system you can simply put the operating install disk in the CD/DVD drive and begin the installation process. When prompted choose to format the drive and confirm that you actually want to delete everything. Then your operating system (Windows, Mac OS, etc) will install and you will be back to your original settings.

2. You may have a special way of re-installing things if you have an “out of the box” system such as a Dell or HP. There will likely be an option to erase and reinstall everything.

3. If you want to delete files so they cannot be recovered you can download tools from the web to do this. Mac OS comes with an option when you choose to format which actually deletes everything by writing over it. Click “Security Options” in the disk utility and choose one of the options. Write zeros is a basic way of eliminating stuff and the multi-pass erases are much more secure.

4. If you’re throwing away the computer the safest way to delete all the files is to physically destroy the hard drive. You can remove the hard drive from the computer and smash it with a sledge hammer. Make sure that all the platters have been pulverized essentially to nothing for maximum security.

NB: When you take a computer to a recycling center they often guarantee security of your data on any drives in a recycled computer. In my town our recycling services guarantee that drives will be physically destroyed in the recycling process. You may not even need to do this part yourself if that’s the case.

Answer by David Lee

There are several ways you could do this. You could format your computer and reinstall your Operating System but make sure you backup all your important files first. An easier way which I normally use is to install a registry cleaner and let it scan and fix all the errors. I personally use Registry Mechanic and it pretty much keeps my computer at optimum condition.

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