Windows 10: How do I clear my non-OS hard-drives without erasing windows data?

So I wiped my PC today custom build with an SSD containing the OS, and two mechanical drives as secondaries, but both of the secondary drives still have the stuff from the old build.


I wanted to start completely clean but these drives refused to clear out their data.


I thought the solution would just be to select all the data and just press delete.


But in some of the hard-drive folders are windows apps and update data, and now I'm really confused.


Apparently all three drives are 'primary partitions' despite only one hard-drive having the windows OS on it.


How can I make it so that the hard-drives are just mine to access, so windows doesn't put any of the system files there.


I'm too scared to delete it the way I wanted to now that there are windows files there.

:)

 

how do i erase my hard drive

how do I erase my hard drive

 

how do i reintsall windows after i have erased my hard drive

i have erased my hard drive becuase i had a virus. i have tryed putting in the windows xp cd in like it says to do and it hasnt worked. i have also made it so its first priority boot is form the cd drive in stead of the hd but that hasnt worked either. *Confused

 

how do i erase my hard drive

Hello dominickpenna1

Please follow these methods

Method 1

-Backup your system before doing anything. You should always backup important files before wiping (or erasing) your hard drive. Erasing your hard drive will make recovering your files challenging and you do not want to lose anything important.

-Use DBAN. If your computer contained any sensitive documents, photos or information which could be used to steal your identity, you will want to use a more secure method of removing your data. DBAN (or Darik’s Boot and Nuke) is a commonly used, free program
used to securely erase your hard drive.

-Make sure your computer is set to boot from a CD. If it is not, follow these instructions

How to Boot a Computer from a CD (with Pictures) - wikiHow

-Type “dodshort”. When the computer boots from the disk, the easiest method to wipe the computer will be to type in either “dodshort” for a simple wipe or “dod” for something stronger (leave off the quotation marks for both). Both are the standard erasing methods
for the Department of Defense and are very secure. You can use the interactive mode if you want more wiping options.

-Hit enter. Once you’ve entered your preferred method, hit enter. You’re done: it will start wiping. You will, however, need to reinstall an operating system and restore your files. It will take a VERY long time. Don’t worry. It’s normal.

Method 2

Low Security PC Method

Reformat the hard drive using the installation disk.

Insert the disk into the CD-ROM tray. Reboot your computer. Watch carefully for a message to flash on the bottom of screen. This message will tell you what key you need to press in order to enter the Setup mode.

Press the key indicated during the boot process and enter Setup. Common keys are F2, F8 or F11. Look for an option to boot from a disk or CD and choose it.

Image titled Erase a Computer Hard Drive Step 8

3

Select the "Reformat hard drive" option when prompted.

If you have more than one partition on your hard drive, the second one likely holds recovery information. If this is the case, you can leave that partition alone.

If your second partition holds an alternate operating system, you may want to delete it.

Image titled Erase a Computer Hard Drive Step 9

4

Follow all prompts pertaining to the "reformat hard drive" process.

Choose the NTFS option for the drive's type.

Choose either Quick or Normal, depending upon your reasons for reformatting.

If the computer will be going to a new owner, choose the Thorough or Normal option for higher security.

Also you can see steps by steps in this link below

https://www.wikihow.com/Erase-a-Computer-Hard-D...

This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised
on the site before you decide to download and install it.

I hope it helps