I need step by step to write zero without downloading

[willandkj]

anything. I know there is a way to "write zeros" to the hard drive without having to purchase a disk and/or download anything from the internet. I can't remember the steps Help!! Thanks

[Vyx]

As far as I know, you need a third party utility to do write zeros to a hard drive. Most hard drive manufacturers have some sort of utility to do this or you can google low level format and it will pop up with 25,400,000 results.

[willandkj]

I have done it b4!! I know there is a way to wipe it clean with out a download or a disc, I just can't remember how HELP!!!!

[WBRchris]

you're talking about doing a low level format and as far as i know that feature while it's still supported by many harddrives it's no longer supported in the system bios which is where you would perform this function.. your best bet is using the utility that came w/ the drive or going to the creator of the drive's website and downloading it then write zero's w/ it.. it's the simplest way... though this isn't exactly what you wanted to hear it's an answer none the less

[willandkj]

hmmmmmm......
I am SUPER illiterate with computers. Will someone please help me do that format thing. I have a Dell desktop Dimension 3000. Thanks!!!

[RicheemxX]

as you've already been told there is no way to "zero format" a drive without using an outside piece of software! You can use any boot disk to do a plan old format. What is the reason for needing to zero fill the drive anyways? are you planning on selling it?

[Jeordiewhite]

http://dban.sourceforge.net/
Theres a free program for doing so. You go to Darik's Boot and Nuke 1.0.7 and download the dban-1.0.7_i386.exe and this will prompt you to put in a floppy disk or you may download the iso and burn it to a cd if your able to do so.
Once if finishes creating the floppy, you reboot and either go into your bios pressing f1 or delete key and change it to boot to floppy or hopefully it's set to boot from the floppy already.
Then you should be able to do as what you intend to do.

[willandkj]

not selling, just need to clean up....
I have done this in the past by calling Dell tech support directly, then they emailed me a step by step of how to "write zeros" (their words). I didn't have to insert a disk to start this, only after the process did i do a system restore with my original Dell system restore disk. The problem is that my tech support with Dell has expired and they want to charge up the wahzoo to extend. I just need this simple set of instructions to go forward. ANYONE?