Wiping a computer typically refers to the process of erasing all data from the hard drive and restoring the system to its original state. This is often done before selling, recycling, or donating a computer, or when you want to start fresh with a clean installation of the operating system. Here's how to wipe a computer:
1. **Backup Important Data**: Before wiping your computer, make sure to backup any important files or data that you want to keep. You can transfer files to an external hard drive, USB flash drive, or cloud storage service.
2. **Sign Out of Accounts**: If you're planning to sell, recycle, or donate your computer, sign out of all your accounts and services. This includes email accounts, social media accounts, cloud storage accounts, and any other accounts that are linked to the computer.
3. **Deauthorize Applications**: If you've purchased or downloaded software that is tied to your computer, such as music or video editing software, make sure to deauthorize those applications before wiping the computer. This will prevent licensing issues for the next user.
4. **Create a Windows Installation Media (if necessary)**: If you're wiping a Windows computer and planning to reinstall the operating system, you may need to create a Windows installation media. You can do this using the Windows Media Creation Tool, which is available for free from the Microsoft website.
5. **Restart the Computer**: Restart the computer and access the BIOS or UEFI settings. This is typically done by pressing a specific key (such as F2, F10, or Delete) during the boot process. Consult your computer's manual or manufacturer's website for instructions on accessing the BIOS or UEFI settings.
6. **Change Boot Order**: In the BIOS or UEFI settings, change the boot order so that the computer boots from the installation media (such as a USB flash drive or DVD) first.
7. **Boot from Installation Media**: Insert the Windows installation media into the computer and restart it. Follow the on-screen instructions to boot from the installation media and begin the Windows installation process.
8. **Format the Hard Drive**: During the Windows installation process, you'll be prompted to format the hard drive. Choose the option to format the drive, which will erase all data from the hard drive.
9. **Follow Setup Wizard**: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the Windows installation process. This may include selecting your language and region, entering your product key (if applicable), and configuring other settings.
10. **Install Updates and Drivers**: After Windows is installed, make sure to install any updates and drivers that are available. This will ensure that your computer is up-to-date and functioning properly.
11. **Dispose of Old Data**: Once you've wiped your computer and reinstalled the operating system, make sure to securely dispose of any old data. You can use data wiping software to overwrite the hard drive with random data multiple times, making it difficult or impossible to recover any deleted files.
By following these steps, you can effectively wipe your computer and prepare it for sale, recycling, donation, or a fresh installation of the operating system.