I want to permanently delete files from an old Compaq LAPTOP that runs on windows 3.1. How do I bypass the uninstall feature and permanently delete the files from my hard drive?I have never used any utility which WOULD wash a hdd where Win.3.x was used. With the SMALL size of the hdd usually found when Win 3.x is the OS I usually just wrote a simple prog to CREATE a file big ENOUGH to fill the hdd then deleted that file and maybe ran the prog again..  Maybe your best bet to permanently delete files would be to format the hdd then re-install Dos & Win.3.1If you have a floppy drive then use a Windows 3.1 bootdisk to format the drive.

This is the bootdisk I use for Win 3·1 Boot600.exe

If you Google for boot600.exe you may find other suitable DOS versions.

http://www.bdtinc.com/pub/software/bootdisks/http://www.tolvanen.com/eraser/Dylan:

Take out the screws to the hard drive case and disassemble it, removing the hard disk platters.  Use them as coasters, Christmas tree ornaments, Frisbees, or anything else that suits your tastes.

Buy a used hard drive dirt cheap from a computer repair shop, and use that hard drive, instead.  Reformat it and reinstall DOS and Windows for Workgroups before you give the computer away.



Regards,
Doc