In a situation where your laptop has been attacked by a virus to the extent that the entire system is dysfunctional, on of the options available is to format the hard drive. To format a drive means to prepare the chosen partition on the drive to be used by an operating system by deleting all of the data and setting up a file system. Formatting of a hard drive can also be done as one is getting rid of a device and doesn’t want their data misused.
Many laptops only have only one hard drive, which means that when you want to format it, you’ll need to reinstall your operating system as well. The easiest way to format any laptop is by starting the operating system installation process. If you want to make sure that your data is securely erased, you’ll need a special program for a Windows computer; Mac computers come with this function built-in, however. Below, I will take you through processes to format your hard drive.
Formatting hard drive for Windows Laptop
Back up all of your important data.
Most laptops only support a single hard drive. Formatting a hard drive will delete all of the data off of it. So before formatting your laptop, make sure you back up all of the documents, pictures, and other files that you want to save. You can use a blank DVD, an external hard drive or USB flash drive, or upload it to a cloud storage service.
Download the drivers for your laptop.
Drivers are software responsible for controlling your laptop’s hardware. Having all of the necessary drivers downloaded and ready to be installed will make the format process easier. If you have a recovery disc for your laptop, it already has the drivers. You can also download your laptop’s drivers from the manufacturer’s Support site. To do this, simply enter your laptop’s model number into the search field and download everything in the “Drivers” section. You can find your laptop’s model number by looking at the sticker fixed at the bottom. Copy the downloaded driver files to an external USB drive or burn them to a blank disc.
Find your Windows product key.
A product key is needed in order to activate your copy of Windows after reinstalling. The product key is most likely to be written somewhere on the laptop or within the documentation that comes with the laptop. The Windows product key is 25 characters long. If you can’t find the key, download and run ProduKey from NirSoft. This is a free program that will display your Windows product key as soon as you run it. Extract the file and run the program to see your Windows product key.
Find or create your Windows installation disc.
For you to format the laptop’s hard drive, you’ll need to boot from a Windows installation disc or recovery disc provided by your laptop manufacturer. Windows cannot format the drive it is installed on from within Windows. If you don’t have or can’t find a Windows installation disc or recovery disc, you can create one yourself. For Windows 7 : – Download the ISO file from Microsoft here . After downloading the ISO file, download and install the Windows USB/DVD Download Tool from here . This tool will guide you through the process of creating a Windows 7 installation DVD or USB drive using the ISO file that you downloaded.
For Windows 8 – Download the Windows 8 Media Creation tool here . Run the tool and enter your product key to download and create a Windows 8 installation DVD or USB drive.
For Windows 10 – Download the Windows 10 Media Creation tool here . Run the tool and enter your product key to download and create a Windows 10 installation DVD or USB drive.
Boot your computer from the installation disc or USB.
First of all, make sure the installation media is inserted in your computer. The process for booting your computer varies depending on what operating system originally came installed on it:
For Windows 7 and older: Reboot your computer and press the BIOS, SETUP, or BOOT key that is displayed when the computer first starts. The most common keys are F2, F11, F12, and Del. In the BOOT menu, set your installation drive as the primary boot device.
For Windows 8 and newer: Click the Power button in the Start screen or menu. Hold ⇧ Shift and click Restart. This will restart your computer and load the “Advanced startup” menu. Select the “Troubleshoot” option and then “Advanced options.” Click “UEFI Firmware Settings” and then open the BOOT menu. Set your installation drive as the primary boot device.
Start the setup process and choose your language.
Click the “Install now” button and then select your language and input method. You’ll also need to accept the license agreement.
For Windows 7
Select the “Custom (advanced)” option.
This will open the hard drive tool, which will display all of the partitions on your laptop’s hard drive.
Select the partition that Windows is installed on.
Partitions are segments of the hard drive, and allow you to use your single hard drives as multiple drives. Laptops typically have two or three partitions: a “Reserved” partition, a “Recovery” partition, and your main “Primary” partition. The “System” partition contains Windows and all of your programs and files. You may have additional partitions as well. Formatting your “System” partition will delete Windows and all of your files.
Click the “Drive options” link and select “Format.”
You will be prompted to confirm that you want to format the partition. This will delete all of the data on it. Once you confirm, the partition will be formatted. This may take a few minutes to complete.
Delete any other partitions you don’t want (Optional).
If you don’t want to keep your recovery partition, or want to remove your media partition, you can select it and click “Delete.” This will delete all of the data on the partition and turn it into “Unallocated space.” Deleting two neighboring partitions will combine them into a single block of unallocated space. To combine the unallocated space with your main partition, select the main partition that you just formatted and click “Delete.” This will combine all of the unallocated space into one single block.
Select your formatted partition and click “Next.”
This will begin the Windows installation process on the formatted partition. You’ll need to reinstall Windows in order to use the computer. If you plan on installing another operating system, such as Linux, you can end the process here before installing Windows. Insert your Linux installation disc and boot from it to begin the Linux installation process.
Follow the prompts to install Windows.
After Window installs the system files, you’ll be taken through a few prompts to complete the installation. This includes creating a user account, setting your Windows Update preferences, and your network settings. You’ll also be prompted to enter your Windows product key. You’ll need to reinstall Windows in order to use the computer again after formatting. The default settings are usually fine when setting up Windows. If you’re working on your home computer, select “Home” or “Private” when asked about your network type. If you’re doing the installation while on a public network, such as at a cafe or at school, select “Public.”
Install the drivers from your CD or USB drive.
Now that Windows is installed, you’ll want to get your laptop’s drivers installed again. These could include drivers for your touch pad, sound, graphics, card reader, and more. Run each of the setup programs that you downloaded from the laptop’s manufacturer.
Related Article: How to buy an external USB Hard Drive
For Mac OS
Back up your important data.
Just like with a Windows laptop, formatting your Mac Book’s hard drive will erase all of the data on it. Back up all important files before formatting by copying the files to an external drive, burn them to a blank DVD, or upload them to your i Cloud storage or other cloud storage service.
Ensure your computer is connected to the internet.
You’ll need an internet connection in order to download the necessary files during the format and reinstall process.
Reboot your Mac and hold .⌘ Cmd+R as soon as it starts up. This will load the Recovery menu.
Select the “Disk Utility” option.
This will open a new window, with all of your drives and partitions listed in the left frame.
Select the partition that you want to format and then click the “Erase” tab.
Select your startup disk to erase the partition that contains your operating system files. You can use the size of the partition to help judge the correct one.
Click the “Security Options” button if you want to securely wipe your data (optional).
If you’re selling or giving away your Mac, you’ll want to adjust the security options in order to securely erase the data on the drive. You may be presented with several different options, or a slider from “Fastest” to “Most Secure.” Select the “7-Pass Erase” or “Most Secure” option to securely erase your data without any chance of retrieval. This will dramatically increase the amount of time the format process takes.
Select “Mac OS Extended (Journaled)” from the “Format” menu. This is the format required to install OS X on the Mac.
Click the “Erase” button.
The drive will begin the formatting process. If you didn’t change the security options, it will only take a moment. If you chose a secure erase, it may take several hours to complete.
Close the Disk Utility window and click “Reinstall OS X.”
You’ll need to be connected to a wireless network in order to proceed with the re-installation. Follow the prompts to install OS X back on the computer so that you can use it again. The setup program will download all of the essential files automatically.
If you’re disposing of your windows laptop or donating it, you’ll want to perform a secure format to prevent your data from falling into the wrong hands. The standard format as described above will not fully delete all of the data on the drive. Instead, data is marked to be overwritten, and can be recovered by someone with the time and tools. Securely formatting your drive will help prevent your data from being accessed without your authorization.
Download DBAN.
DBAN is a free utility that will securely format your drive. You can download DBAN for free from here . You’ll need a blank DVD to burn it to.
Burn the downloaded ISO file to a blank disc.
If you’re using Windows 7 or later, right-click on the ISO file and select “Burn to Disc” with a blank CD or DVD inserted. If you’re using Windows Vista or earlier, download a burning program such as ImgBurn to burn the ISO file to a disc.
Boot from the DBAN disc.
Use the boot instructions from the method above to boot from the DBAN disc. You’ll need to set your computer to boot from the disc drive so that DBAN loads.
Press .↵ Enter on the DBAN main menu.
This will launch DBAN, and it may take a few moments to load all of the necessary files.
Select the drive that you want to format.
A list of all of your drives and partitions will be listed. Use the arrow keys to highlight the drive that you want to erase, and press Space to select it. Be very careful when selecting a drive or partition, as the data will be completely irretrievable.
Press F10 to begin wiping the selected drive.
The default settings are will result in a very secure wipe, allowing you to dispose of the laptop without worry. A wipe with the default settings will take several hours to complete. If you’re really worried about security, you can press R to open the Rounds menu first and increase the number of rounds. This will result in an even more secure wipe, but will take longer.
Whatever the reason for you to format your Laptop hard drive, above is a simple guide on how to do so securely without the further danger of damaging your laptop.
Victor Immanuel Oloo is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in web 2.0 technologies, social media, and digital marketing. He covers the latest in mobile apps, smartphone reviews, and tech news, offering insightful analysis on the ever-evolving tech landscape. Victor’s deep understanding of both local and global trends provides readers with relevant, informed perspectives on how technology is shaping our world.
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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