By cleaning or formatting the HP laptop hard drive, it will remove the OS and all data from the device, allowing you to sell the PC without the risk of data being collected or reinstall the OS and software without worrying about residual viruses or infections. After backing up all the laptop data you want to keep such as photos, documents and music, you can format the hard drive using a Windows installation disk, which includes a tool to format the hard drives.
1.
Insert the Windows Installation CD that came with your HP laptop into your HP laptop’s optical drive. If you did not receive a Windows installation disc with your laptop or no longer have the CD, purchase one that matches the Windows label located at the bottom of the laptop or inside the battery compartment. For example, if the windows sticker on the laptop is for Windows 7 Home Premium, you need to purchase a Windows 7 Home Premium Disc if you plan to reinstall the operating system after formatting.
2.
Click Start, then click the arrow next to ” disable.”Select” Restart ” from the menu that appears.
3.
Press the button to access the start screen when prompted. The exact button depends on the HP laptop model you own. For example, the startup screen may read ” press ESC to enter the startup menu.”When the Start menu appears, use the arrow keys to highlight “CD / DVD drive”, and then press”Enter”.”If you do not press the indicated key fast enough and the computer proceeds to boot Windows, turn off the laptop and start again.
4.
Follow the on-screen instructions once the Windows installation disc is loaded. After accepting the license agreement, click ” Custom (advanced)”.”Select the main partition of your hard drive, and then click” Format.”Wait for the hard drive to be formatted.
5.
Click “Next” after the drive has been formatted if you want to install a new copy of Windows. If not, remove the installation disk, and then press and hold the “Power” button to turn off the laptop.