Windows 10: How do I delete the Windows Operating System to fully clear the drive?

I have tried a local reinstall but that just reinstalls windows, but I want there to be nothing on the drive to resell.

:)

 

What's eating up my \C: drive?

From the list above you haven't used storage sense or disk clean.
$GetCurrent is upgrade files which can be cleared with either .

for

• Step 1: Press Windows+Pause Break key to open System and choose System protection.
• Step 2: Select the hard disk whose system protection is on, and click Configure.
• Step 3: Tap the Delete button.
• Step 4: Choose Continue to remove all restore points on the selected drive.

restore points (system volume)

 

Clear Pagefile on Shutdown


I've been looking into clearing the pagefile, and I found the following steps at a somewhat dated webpage:

1. In the registry editor, navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management
2. Set ClearPageFileAtShutdown to the REG_DWORD value of 1.
3. Restart Windows.

I'm just wondering whether those steps are still valid, and, if so, does clearing the pagefile work as advertised?

 

Error: "An operating system wasn't found. Try disconnecting any drives that don't contain an operating system"

Hi Stephen,

I realize the inconvenience you are facing in accessing the operating system. Now that you have me with you let me take care of this.

Do let us know if you are able to see Windows 7/ Windows 10 operating system while rebooting the device?

As you are unable to boot the operating system, this issue might have occurred when the boot files are missing or corrupted.

I suggest you re-built the boot rec by following the below commands and check if it helps.
You will have to use Windows 10/7 installation media to follow the steps to boot into Recovery Environment and try to rebuild BCD.

Step 1: I suggest you to create an installation media for
operating system using the media creation tool

If system boots to Windows 10:
Installing Windows 10 using the media creation tool

If system boots to Windows 7: Download Windows 7 Disc Images (ISO Files)

Step 2: After preparing the installation media, insert it hard reboot the device and follow the below:

• Boot into Windows Recovery Environment using the Windows 10/7 installation media.
• Click on Repair your computer.
  
• Click on Troubleshoot and in the Advanced options.
• Select Command Prompt. Type the following commands into the prompt and press Enter key after each command.

• bootrec /fixmbr

• 
  bootrec /fixboot
  
• 
  bootrec /scanos
  
• 
  bootrec /rebuildbcd
  

5. Restart the computer.

NOTE: Modifying BIOS/ complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) settings incorrectly can cause serious problems that may prevent your computer from booting properly. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting
from the configuring of BIOS/CMOS settings can be solved. Modifications of the settings are at your own risk.

Hope it helps. Reply to the post with an updated status of booting the operating system for further assistance.

Thank you.