How to Completely Wipe IBM Computers

Never lose the restore disc that came with your computer.

Wiping an IBM computer's hard drive can be a good idea if you're getting ready to sell or give away your computer. It also can be a kind of "last-ditch" effort to fix a serious problem like a virus infection. Wiping an IBM computer involves erasing everything that is on the hard drive and reinstalling a fresh, new copy of the unit's operating system. When you purchase an IBM computer, it comes with a CD-ROM designed for this process.

Instructions

1. Locate the "Restore" disc that came with your IBM computer. If you've upgraded your operating system since the initial purchase of your IBM computer, you can also use the operating system disc that you purchased at that time. You will need one of these two discs to completely wipe the hard drive.

2. Put the restore disc or operating system installation disc in your IBM computer's CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.

3. Restart your computer.

4. Use your keyboard to highlight and select the "Restore" option that is on the screen. You will be asked to confirm whether you want to erase all data on your hard drive and reinstall your operating system. Select "Yes."

5. It could take 45 minutes to an hour to wipe the hard drive. You do not have to do anything at this time, but do not turn off the computer. When the process is done the hard drive will be completely wiped, and your computer will operate as if it were new.

References

• BC.edu: Instructions for Using the Recovery CD