erasing my hard drive...

[BgMc31]

I recently recieved two computers from craigslist (two laptops). I don't know or care if they are stolen but they are password protected and I just want to start them over. How do I do this?

[Necrosaro]

You will have to put in a windows disk and reformat them. Make sure you have all the drivers ahead of time to make things easier for updating and itnernet use. If you need more help the this let me know!

[t-gunz]

yep try to get a disk or borrow a mates and do a re-install. this will flush the system

is the bios password protected or just when you try to login?

[xo3et]

t-gunz question is important.

If the bios is passworded then its a little more tricky, try to remove the system battery if its a bios lock as this can flush the cmos and clear the password.

If its a windows password then easy, i would suggest windows 7 which can be obtained from the internet easily. This will sort all the drivers and be good to go once installed

[t-gunz]

yeah removing the cmos battery will clear everything on the comp.

you can get past the bios passwords hirens has some software on there if that doesn't work then it's get tricky.

windows 7 is great and easy to obtain.

also try TORRENTS seems to have some handy stuff on there.

[gigabitbucket]

all the info so far is great, I use the below

Check out BCwipe at
http://www.jetico.com/index.htm#/bcwipe.htm
it'll wipe the hard drive to US Department of Defense standards and it is free!