Wiping the hard drive

Hi
After windows failed and recovery discs did not work, failed on the second disc. If i wiped the hard drive using active killdisc and then used recovery discs (made at time of purchace) what are the chances of if working or do we buy HP recovery discs.
Dv7-1050ea
Windows Vista 32 bit
nothing changed and working ok before windows failed
This question was solved.
View Solution.

Hi,
If your recovery Discs don't work at the moment, there are no downsides as such, it literally just writes zeros to the entire HDD and this can resolve problems with Recovery Discs not working on drives that have been partially wiped - as I mentioned before, it's important to select the (80h) option, then press f10 to wipe all existing partitions before trying your recovery discs again.
There is a similar thread to yours that you may want to read Here.
If you want to try this, you can download and install Killdisk on the link below.
http://software.lsoft.net/KillDiskSuiteFree-Setup.exe
Go to the Kill Disk application you have installed in All Programs, open the main folder, then select Bootable Disk creators and from that select Bootable DOS CD Creator which will burn the bootable ISO to a blank CD.
Do not worry about any warnings as your Recovery DVDs will reformat the HDD.
Regards,
DP-K
****Click the White thumb to say thanks****
****Please mark Accept As Solution if it solves your problem****
****I don't work for HP****
Microsoft MVP - Windows Experience

Similar Messages

Can I install Mac OS X 10.5 on a Powerbook G4 already running Mac OS X 10.6? I lost my disc of 10.6 and can only find my 10.5 disc as I'm selling my MacBook and wiping the hard drive for a complete reset.

Can I install Mac OS X 10.5 on a Powerbook G4 already running Mac OS X 10.6? I lost my disc of 10.6 and can only find my 10.5 disc as I'm selling my MacBook, and wiping the hard drive for a complete reset.

A PowerBook G4 can't run Snow Leopard OS 10.6, however, it can run Leopard OS 10.5. But you must use a retail (black) Leopard install DVD.
What does the selling of your MacBook have to do with installing Leopard on your PowerBook?
 Cheers, Tom

I wiped the hard drive and cannot reload the applications disk...it says an error occurred.

i wiped the hard drive and now i cannot reload the "applications" disk. it keeps telling me that an error has occured.

It would help to give us more specific and complete information so we can better assist you.

My eMac won't update to 10.5.8 from 10.3.5 after I wiped the hard drive clean

I was wiping the hard drive of my eMac that at the time HAD a good running copy of OS X 10.5.8 on it. Now obviously I did not want to reinstall from a back up because I'm donating the eMac to a non-profit and wanted no data from me, the previous owner, on it..
I do have the original discs, but they only install OS X 10.3.5 on the eMac. When I tried to update the OS to 10.5.8, where I had it running before wiping, I got a message that the "Bill of materials was not included for this package" (or something to that effect), so the eMac would not allow me to update the OS with the newly downloaded software.
Now what?

Thank you both so very much! I have found my Leopard DVD and am installing it as I write this on a different computer. The missing link, no doubt. I presume that after I install the 10.5 Leopard, I can then add the update that sits on my desktop now?
Again, thank you so much.

Do I need to deauthorize a computer if I have wiped the hard drive clean before I sell it?

I am going to sell my computer. I forgot to deauthorize it in itunes. I have already wiped my hard drive clean. Do I need to still deauthorize this computer and how can it be done?

Once the drive has been wiped, the only way to deauthorize is to Deauthorize All from any computer with iTunes installed.
If the intent was to deauthorize the comptuer, that needed to be done prior to wiping the computer.

I wiped the hard drive and lost lightroom...please help before wife kills me...

Hi folks! First post here so go easy on the newb...
Our computer got slammed with a virus a few days back and we had to wipe the hard drive and reinstall everything. So we lost lightroom. The original version we had was downloaded to begin with... so the only serial number we had was wiped with the rest of the hd. (bonehead, i know) We do have an upgrade serial number from when we upgraded our lightroom a while back, but it is useless without the "original SN#" which we don't have.
Is there anything we can do?
Thanks!
Daryl & Haley

Time to get paranoid. For the future, backup everything, especially serial numbers and the like. I have a program in which I store all passwords, logins, serial numbers, etc that I need. Of course it is encrypted and it takes a password to get into it, but that is only ONE password. It is a desktop/mobile application, so it gets synced with my phone. (We travel a lot, so I need this information when we travel). All downloaded products and associated stuff live on an external drive and are backed up to another external drive. There is another copy made occasionally that lives offsite. I put a text file in the "products" directory for each program in which I ALSO have the serial number and any additional information about installation -- like what you need to install an upgrade, etc. I have learned to be paranoid through experiences similar to yours...
I do admit though that the companies are getting much better about forgotten serial numbers than they used to be, so it looks like you are saved this time.
I hope you have a copy of the database and the images? The images are truly irreplaceable, and the database is valuable.
Judy

My 2009 MacBook Pro keeps restarting even after I wiped the hard drive and reinstalled OSX.

About a month ago, my laptop started to randomly turn off: I would be using either Chrome, Photoshop (the free CS2 version available from Adobe's website) or Powerpoint, and the screen would go blank. I would then have to hold the power button for a while until the little light at the front of the computer would flicker and it would restart. I brought it to the Mac Store where they tested it and said it looked fine. They suggested I erase my hard drive and reinstall OSX as a precaution.
Fast forward a month, I have been very busy with work and hadn't been able to fix this problem. It wasn't that bad, only once every couple of days, sometimes more, sometimes less, I could work despite this problem.
Then, I installed OSX Mavericks. The installation started in the morning, but, like an idiot, I paused it to go to work. Later on, I completed the installation, it looked fine, but then all day long my laptop would suddenly restart and go to a grey screen that said in multiple languages "Your laptop restarted because of a problem, press any button to continue the restart." A computer technician friend of mine checked it out and said it was probably due to the badly installed OSX and suggested that I erase my hard drive and reinstall OSX.
I backed up all my files, erased the hard drive and reinstalled OSX. Everything looked fine.
Then it happened again.
Any ideas of why this is happening?

Please read this whole message before doing anything.
This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.
The purpose of the test is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party software that loads automatically at startup or login, by a peripheral device, by a font conflict, or by corruption of the file system or of certain system caches.
Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards, if applicable. Start up in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. You must hold down the shift key twice: once when you turn on the computer, and again when you log in.
Note: If FileVault is enabled, or if a firmware password is set, or if the startup volume is a Fusion Drive or a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.
Safe mode is much slower to start up and run than normal, with limited graphics performance, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output and Wi-Fi on certain models. The next normal startup may also be somewhat slow.
The login screen appears even if you usually login automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.
Test while in safe mode. Same problem?
After testing, restart as usual (not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

Wiped the hard drive and the previous users Apple ID is still showing up in itunes.

How can I remove the previous users Apple ID stuff and equally as important, how is it still on there given I wiped the HD? The disc was zero'd out and then the OS reinstalled and it still remains.
When adding purchased items/authorizing the computer, my friend is having an Apple ID box pop up with a random name once, she enters her correct info, a second random name pops up, again she enters her correct information, and it finally gives an error message stating it's already added. I'm most confused by the fact the old Apple ID info is showing up. How can I eliminate/remove the old Apple ID promts?
Full background, it's my old 13" MacBook Pro running its original 10.6.3 software (currently being updated to 10.6.8), I pulled my HD and threw in a spare I had lying around from. then performed the zero, reloaded the drive etc. Any help is appreciated - Thanks!

You may be right, but it is far easier said than done. What do you do when almost all shadows are gone, and the screen picture looks flat and horrible? I asked an Apple specialist who recommended removing pref files. Since there were none I could identify as related to the screen, the only option was to start removing (and putting in a folder on the desktop) the ones that immediately did not seem important. It became a guessing game, and I'm not sure if I have learned a lesson. The lesson I (and I'm sure a lot of others) really need is good helpful descriptions of different categories of pref files and their function. I had that, I could have done what you suggest, remove the right ones and leave the wrong ones alone. If you can guide me to such information, I would indeed be very grateful !

Re installing after wiping the hard drive

I had to wipe my hard drive and have just reinstalled. But how do I get my After Effects and premier pro to start working again. I can't seem to open my last projects.
The tech at the Mac store (I have a MacBook pro) did say something about reinstalling my Creative Cloud. How do you do this?

The same way you did the first time
http://www.adobe.com/products/creativecloud/faq.html
http://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/help/install-apps.html to install or uninstall
http://forums.adobe.com/community/download_install_setup/creative_cloud_faq
What it is http://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/help/creative-cloud-desktop.html
Cloud Getting Started https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud.html

Wiping the hard drive without functional CD-drive to reinstall OS

Okay, here's the situation.
THE SITUATION: I have a PowerBook G4 12" (purchased in 2004) that I have replaced with a new MacBook Pro 15". I have successfully transferred all of my files, music, etc. to my new computer, and now need to wipe all of my data so I can sell it.
THE PROBLEM: The CD-drive mechanism went out about a year ago & I never had the money to fix it, so I can't simply reformat the drive and then reinstall the OS.
THE QUESTION: Is there something in the Utilities folder that will allow me to successfully wipe the drive without someone having the ability to access my information WITHOUT being able to use the CD-drive, i.e. the original reinstall CD.
Thanks in advance.

Here is how you very carefully stated your problem:
THE PROBLEM: The CD-drive mechanism went out about a year ago & I never had the money to fix it, so I can't simply reformat the drive and then reinstall the OS.
No hint of not having Firewire cable or install disk.
If your optical drive is not working and you do not have the install disk you will need to use, either an install disk or Disk Utility on another installation, either another computer or a clone on an external firewire HDD. For either of those you will need a firewire cable.
Without install disk, firewire cable or access to bootable clone you might just pull the HDD and transfer the computer without an internal HDD or put a new or different HDD in it.
cornelius

Recovering Music After Wiping The Hard-Drive

I just recently had to do a full system restore on my comp. All the songs I had bought from itunes was deleted in the process. I can access my purchase history though itunes and was wondering if there was anyway to get them back.

This is why it is basic to maintain a backup.
Use your backup to put them back on.
If for some reason you have failed to maintain a backup (terrible idea), then you can transfer itunes purchases from an ipod:
File>Transfer Purchases
"PRODUCTS CAN ONLY BE DOWNLOADED ONCE; AFTER BEING DOWNLOADED, THEY CANNOT BE REPLACED IF LOST FOR ANY REASON. YOU SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR BACKING UP YOUR OWN SYSTEM"
http://www.apple.com/legal/itunes/us/terms.html

My pc recently caught a virus, which has wiped my hard drive. I had itunes on it and would like to know if my music is stored on my computer or on the net? So if i download itunes onto another computer will i be able to get it or not?

My PC recently got a virus and wiped the hard drive. I used itunes for my ipod. I would like to know if the music i had on itunes is stored on my computer or on the net? So in other words can i still access my itunes from a different computer?

Your purchased music is availble for download again at no cost. If you have iTunes match service, you can download your matched music.

AMD A10-5750M Can't Wipe The Hard Drive!

I am having a problem downgrading from Windows 8 to windows 7 Ultimate 64bit version. I have tried changing the (EUFI) settings disabling secure boot. I tried Wiping the hard drive didn't work. So if anyone can help I would appreciate it a lot. I have an A10-5750M overclocked at 3.1GHz Elite quad core processor 8Gb Ram and 750Gb hard drive. I recenlty upgraded to windows 8.1 preview because I can deal with that better than windows 8, but I'd prefer windows 7 ulitimate 64bit version. Any help is welcome.

When requesting assistance, please provide the complete model name and/or product number of the HP computer in question. HP/Compaq makes thousands of models of computers. Without this information it may be difficult or impossible to assist you in resolving your issue.
The above requested information can be found on the bottom of your computer or inside the battery compartment. Please do not include your serial number.
*****Disclaimer*****
HP doesn't recommend the installation of Windows 7 on a computer shipped with Windows 8, nor will it support the installation of Windows 7. HP will not provide Windows 7 drivers and suitable drivers may not be available for the hardware in the computer. Also, Windows 7 may not support some of the hardware or software features designed for the computer.
Make sure you create your HP Recovery Discs or USB Flash Recovery media before modifying or changing ANYTHING.
You will need to DISABLE "Secure Boot" and maybe ENABLE "Legacy Support" in the "BIOS Secure Boot Configuration Settings (Windows 8)" on the settings page shown below, before you can attempt to install Windows 7;
or
Additionally, as the hard drive is partitioned as GPT, you must boot the computer using the "UEFI - CD/DVD drive" or "UEFI - Internal CD/DVD drive" in the "F9" boot menu. If "UEFI - CD/DVD drive" or something to that effect doesn't exist in the boot menu, please post a screen shot and/or descibe the listed boot options.
I suggest using a Windows 7 SP1 or SP1 U (refresh) disc for the best intallation experience... (Should be no need for loading or slipstreaming SATA drivers with SP1). If you need a Windows SP1, please see "How to Install Windows 7 Without the Disc" to download and create your own. If the DVD refuses to boot as UEFI, you may need to use a USB Flash drive (may require DISABLING "Fast Boot" in the BIOS) as the installation media. Please download the Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool to create a Windows 7 SP1 USB Flash drive.
Please click the white KUDOS star to show your appreciation
Frank
{------------ Please click the "White Kudos" Thumbs Up to say THANKS for helping.
Please click the "Accept As Solution" on my post, if my assistance has solved your issue. ------------V
This is a user supported forum. I am a volunteer and I don't work for HP.
HP 15t-j100 (on loan from HP)
HP 13 Split x2 (on loan from HP)
HP Slate8 Pro (on loan from HP)
HP a1632x - Windows 7, 4GB RAM, AMD Radeon HD 6450
HP p6130y - Windows 7, 8GB RAM, AMD Radeon HD 6450
HP p6320y - Windows 7, 8GB RAM, NVIDIA GT 240
HP p7-1026 - Windows 7, 6GB RAM, AMD Radeon HD 6450
HP p6787c - Windows 7, 8GB RAM, NVIDIA GT 240

Wiping a Hard Drive on a Macbook Pro

What's the procedure for wiping a HD on a Macbook Pro? We rented one out to a client and now there's all this stuff on there that I need to get off. I'd like to get it back to like factory settings. Also is there an easier way of resetting it back to factory other than wiping the hard drive every time it comes back from a rental?

Start from the installation disk, when the main screen shows up, chose utilities form the menu bar and Disk Utility. Choose erase.
You have choices to overwrite the drive with zeros or simply clear the directories. If you do a simple erase, the data remains but is invisible. If you zero out the drive, the data is mostly gone. Zeroing out a drive can take several hours. Higher level data erasure can take days with a 750gig drive.
After you have wiped the drive you must reinstall everything. Everything.
Computer rental shops use specialized drive structures and security apps to leave the applications and OS intact and unreachable by the customers. When the machine comes in, they just wipe the user's data folders.
The same system of parental controls and privileges is often used in school and lab situations where the system is more important than the users' files.
bogiesan

I've recently formatted my 10.7.4 mountain lion MacBook from 2007. The hard drive is wiped and I think it deleted to OS too. How do I put the OS back on it?

I've recently formatted my 10.7.4 mountain lion MacBook from 2007. The hard drive is wiped and I think it deleted to OS too. How do I put the OS back on it?

Wiping the drive does indeed delete the OS. Try this -
Boot to the Lion (10.7.4 is Lion not Mountain Lion) recovery partition by restarting the computer and holding down the command and R keys during startup.
If this works, reinstall from here. You must be connected to the Internet to do this.
If this does not work, possibly because you reformatted the recovery partition as well, you will need to reinstall from your original disks (assuming it came with 10.6 or earlier.) Boot to the disk by holding down the C key during startup and run the installer.
Best of luck.

Wiping the hard drive

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for