I assume that you want to make sure that what was previously on the computer is completely gone, correct?

Normally you will have no problem with the re-installation after writing zero's to the drive. *However*, some PC's  use a "Hidden Partition" for their "Restore to As Shipped" process for a messed up operating system.  Unfortunately this is also where their unique hardware drivers reside also.  If you have a restore CD that came with the computer this will not be the case.  One of the brands that I am familiar with that have had the "Hidden Partion" method of restore is e-Machines.  If you have re-formatted this PC before and used an install disk before, you should be OK.

Doug
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At 4/17/2004 02:04 PM, Carol wrote:

I have reformatted my computer several times in the past.  I want to do it again, so I can see if it will bring back some things I seem to have lost in the last reformat.  (Not programs I've subsequently added, but things I believe were on the computer when I got it.)  But, this time I want to use one of those free programs that will 'write zeros' to my hard drive before I reformat.  (Suggestions as to which free program is best would be nice too.) I'm a little nervous, because I'm wondering if, after I use the program to over-write everything on my hard drive, will it work right when I insert my installation CD?  I mean, will the installation CD be looking for something that I may have 'erased' when I used the over-writing program?  (My OS is Windows 98SE.)

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