Windows XP Media Center Question

[BLeonard]

I realize this is a Mac forum but there is a lot of multi-platform knowledge here.

I have a friend who has a Microsoft Media Center PC (He also has a Mac which I gave him a year ago).

First he wants to know how to wipe his machine completely clean (zero out all data) but he says his machine didn't come with system disks (either that or they have lost them).

What's the best way for him to get rid of his data and will a standard XP Pro with Service Pack 2 CD install correctly on his machine?

[The UnDoug]

He can get rid of all his data by simply connecting to the internet and turning off his virus protection. His machine will be sufficiently hosed in no time.

;-)


Sorry, I don't know the *real* answer to your question.

[Filliam H. Muffman]

It likely came with a hidden partition, which would be the reason there are no install disks. The website for the manufacturer will have the key combination to access the hidden partition at startup for that machine, to take it back to the original sale condition.

There are dozens of programs that will do a secure erase of the hard drive. This is an example. http://www.download.com/Blowfish-Advance...33570.html

Once you verify it has a hidden partition, use a secure erase program (only on the active partition) and then do a reinstall.

[Racer X]

XP Pro with SP2 should be fine. booting from the XP disk will give him the option to erase the drive before XP is installed.