How do I erase the hard drive in my WebTV unit before I sell it? It is
a WebTV Plus unit made by Philips Magnavox. I no longer have an active
WebTV account. Actually they are now called MSNTV.

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Request for Question Clarification by tisme-ga on 15 Dec 2002 19:57 PST

I would like to know more about this unit before answering your
question. Is there a model number you can give me? I look forward to
your response,

tisme-ga

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Request for Question Clarification by tisme-ga on 15 Dec 2002 19:59 PST

The product identification number I am looking for probably starts
with mat97, but might be something completely different.

tisme-ga

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Request for Question Clarification by tisme-ga on 15 Dec 2002 20:37 PST

Hello,

My preliminary research suggests that your webtv account information
and customization is NOT saved on your devices hard drive. The MSNTV
service stores your information and customization on their server, and
a person would need your account information to access it (and your
account has since been cancelled). If this is what you were worried
about, please let me know and I will submit this as an answer.

If your device has a hard drive that is capable of recording TV shows
and you want these removed, I would need to have the model number of
your device to give you specific instructions on how to do this.

I look forward to your response,

tisme-ga

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Clarification of Question by godboy-ga on 15 Dec 2002 23:40 PST

Hi,  just got your messages. The ID# is MAT972A101. Yes, my concern is
that I may have my account info, favorites, etc. on the harddrive. If
your finding is definitive that this is not the case, then I guess I
have my answer. If there is still some doubt, please let me know. Thx,
JD

Hello godboy,

I have communicated with both Philips Magnavox and MSNTV. From what
you have told me I am quite sure that your personal information will
be completely removed from the unit. The only case where it might not
be, is if you were able to login to the account without typing in a
password (in which case the account would now be cancelled anyway, and
would require a telephone call to reactivate it with your personal
information including your email address and telephone number).

I was told by a MSNTV representative that the first thing they will
see if you have cancelled your account is the registration screen.

If you have any further concerns, the number to call is
1-800-469-3288. You can expect to be on hold for 20-30 minutes so be
sure to have a good book available.

If you need any clarifications, let me know and I will do my best to
further assist you as best as I can.

tisme-ga


Search Strategy:

Searched the www.webtv.com, http://www.consumer.philips.com, and
http://www.msntv.com for information regarding this hardware and the
MSNTV service. Also did various searches with the ID number but this
did not produce any useful information. After contacting Philips I was
referred to the 800 number given in the answer.

Very thorough research and explanation. Thanks! JD