Q: Gonna build a new computer, wipe the hdd, and wanna know whether i should install win xp b4 or after i put the drive in the new machine. Im thinking after so i dont have any driver conflicts, cuz if i installed the os b4 then id have to install the drivers for my old machine, which could be a pain to remove later. anyone got any tips for doing this? Btw, gonna use DBAN for a free hdd wiper.
A: take your HDD out, put it in the new machine, insert your windows disk and then perform a full format when prompted not a quick format. This will wipe all your data and then lead you to the windows install all in one swift motion. If you perform a quick format your data will still be there but windows will mark it as inaccessible and okay to write over when needed. You dont need to use DBAN or any of that tripe before you install windows.