How to Wipe a Windows XP Computer Completely in 2024

Here is a simple overview of windows before diving right into the main topic.

How Do I Wipe My Windows XP Computer Before Recycling?

Windows XP was released to manufacturing on August 24, 2001, and retailed on October 25, 2001. It is a direct heir of Windows Me (for home users) and Windows 2000 (for professional users).

A factory reset might be the only sure way in this case. You will have to create an entirely new admin account with no password. Then delete all the other user accounts in the control panel by logging in. You can use utilities such as CCleaner and TFC to delete any remaining additional temp files. At last, delete the page file and disable system restore.

Use EaseUS BitWiper

You may be forced to wipe the partition for multiple reasons, such as removing viruses. The most common cause can be that you have bought a new computer or hard drive and want to use it to replace the old one. The best way to protect your personal data or information from getting leaked is that you get a hard drive to erase software and wipe data on your old device; after that, it's on you whether you want to sell the device to anyone or give it away to your friends or family.

You probably know this, but pressing the "Delete" button on your keyboard doesn't actually delete files from your hard drive. Also, even after emptying the Recycle Bin, you can still recover the deleted data with a proper software tool. All you can do to ensure complete removal of the files you want to delete is to use a dedicated security cleanup tool such as EaseUSBit Wiper.

EaseUS BitWiper is one of the best software used for erasing or wiping partitions or hard drives. It helps to completely erase all hard drive or external storage information, including programs, malware, viruses, and even your data. The program uses military-grade wiping technology that will overwrite your data several times to ensure that your data can not be recovered again, even if the most sophisticated tool is used.

The application helps you erase partitions and entire disks from your computer. It can also shred files without any annoyance. In just some simple steps, you can get your job done. All you need to do is follow the on-screen instructions. The main window of EaseUS BitWiper displays the three main functions in a simplified manner. You can choose from partitions, wiping disks, or shredding files.

Furthermore, there are a total of 3 simple steps to follow when wiping disks:

Step 1. Click "Wipe Disk" from the panel.

Step 2. Choose the OS drive you want to wipe and click "Next."

Notice: Select the correct OS drive to erase. Otherwise, your data will lose permanently.

Step 3. Choose an appropriate wiping method and then click "Next."

Step 4. Confirm the warning message and click "Wipe."

Confirm the warning message again and click "Reboot."

Step 5. Wait for wiping complete.

There are plenty of wiping methods that you can use. EaseUS BitWiper replaces the content of the partition with random data or zeros, which is the fastest method. Some slower techniques are US DoD, British HMG, or the Peter Gutmann method.

EaseUS BitWiper also contains a file shredder that helps you entirely erase confidential or personal files, making them completely impossible to recover. You can shred files in a few simple steps: first, choose the folders or files you desire to delete. After confirming, the application will start to delete the selected files instantly.

How to Wipe Windows XP Hard Drive without Software

You can wipe windows XP hard drive without using software in two methods are shown below.

Erase and Clean Hard Drive in Windows XP Using Command Prompt

Following a few simple steps below will help you erase hard drive windows XP using command prompt:

• Insert Windows XP recovery disk or CD into the optical drive, then restart your computer.
• You can press any key to boot from the disc drive when prompted. Press 'R' on Welcome to set up the screen in order to go to the Recovery Console.

• If you have a multi-boot system, follow the instructions shown on the screen to select your operating system. Press 'enter' or type your administrative password if your password is blank.
• Type format c: /fs: NTFS into the prompt and then press 'Enter'.
• However, format command will only clean data simply, it cannot wipe drive partitions and data. So you need to use 'list disk', then 'select disk#' and use 'clean all' command.

• Press 'Y' and then hit 'Enter' to erase the hard drive. The size of the drive determines the duration of the process: it may take several minutes or even hours.

Restore to Factory Settings

By following our few simple steps mentioned below, you can quickly restore Windows XP to factory settings.

• Insert Windows XP CD in the tray
• Turn the system on
• Now, you will see the "Press any key to boot from CD" option on your screen. Go ahead and press any key on your keyboard.

• After the CD loads the necessary library of files, press "Enter" at the "Welcome to setup" screen to begin the installation.
• Press the "F8" key for agreeing to the End-Use license agreement.
• Select where you would like to install Windows XP. The "D" and "C" keys can also be used to delete and create a new partition.
• To install the Window on the selected partition, click "Enter",  then press "Enter" again to continue.
• Choose to format the partition and wait till the process is finished.

• When the setup mentions that your computer will restart, remove the CD from the tray. Now, please wait for the system so it can boot into Windows XP.
• Lastly, follow the wizard's instructions to set up the system again.

Conclusion

It's better to stay safe and ensure that all your personal and confidential data is entirely erased before you sell your personal or professional device. These were a few ways to wipe a Windows XP computer.