Any quick tips for formatting an HD and installing a new one?

[Paradigm]

I bought a new HD and it's the pits, so I'm shipping it back to Newegg. The replacement came in today. So later this afternoon, I'm going to wipe the old one clean and install the new one.

1. Although there's nothing important on the HD (I've had it for 2 weeks) I want to wipe it clean before I send it back. What is the best method for doing this?

2. I read on this forum that installing Windows w/o security software is just asking for malware. I only have a Windows XP SP1 install disk. My current plan is to load Windows on the new HD, install ZoneAlarm and McAfee, and then connect to the internet and install the SP2 update. Any other tips?

Thanks!

[astroglide]

http://dban.sourceforge.net/ will thrash any drive if you want a secure delete. BE CAREFUL.

you're only in eminent danger if you have a direct internet connection (e.g. plugging your dsl/cable directly into your pc with no router). pre-sp2 windows xp still has a firewall. install it with no connections (unplug lan, etc). enable the firewall, then plug in and continue.

[stabn]

[ QUOTE ]

pre-sp2 windows xp still has a firewall. install it with no connections (unplug lan, etc). enable the firewall, then plug in and continue.


[/ QUOTE ]

The Windows firewall was released with XPSP2.

[astroglide]

[ QUOTE ]
The Windows firewall was released with XPSP2.

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no it wasn't. it was upgraded and turned on by default with sp2, but it was present in the original release of xp.