How can I completely and successfully delete ALL files/folders and information from my laptop?

You could do a system restore BUT you HAVE to make sure you have the CD with the operating system because basically it will will go back to factory default settings, meaning your computer will go back to the way it was when you first got it, You will only have the basics. No operating system or anything, so be sure to have a disk and the serial number for your operating system (xp,vista,windows7)ALL your hard drive would be wiped out which means all your settings and programs would be gone for good, theres no undo, so first make sure you have the OP cd, then make up your mind :)

Use your Windows CD….you will end up with your Operating System, but that is all.

Depends, are you wanting to do a fresh install of an OS, or just cleaning crap off of it? To do a fresh install:

1. Save anything you want onto a disc or flash drive.
2. Pop in the Windows CD. If you don’t have one, you can download a free software called Hiren’s Boot CD, this is a software that allows you to format everything on the drive, safely.
3. Format the drive C: (or whatever you named it)
4. Fresh new install of the OS you want to use.

If you’re looking to just delete unnecessary files or private things you don’t want anymore, follow these steps.

1. Delete everything you don’t want.
2. Use a defragmenter to clear up any junk space so you can use it.
3. Use a software called CCleaner, Uniblue, and such to clean the registry of any old registries and dll’s.

just download C Cleaner, its free, it cleans everything, believe me.

open your computer (my) right click the drive and select (from the right click menu) Format…. done.

I’ve tried CCleaners before. It did nothing for me. =/