How do I clean my information off of my computer (bank stuff, passwords, sites, etc.) off of my computer to sell it? If i do a major reset will I lose the programs (eg. photoshop) that I have loaded onto it?
2006-09-01 09:27:55 · 11 answers · asked by Court 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
I would suggest two steps/options:
First, delete any files, links, etc... that you consider private and then run an eraser utility to overwrite the resulting free space on your hard drive. A good program for this, which allows several security levels by the number of times overwritten, is Eraser which is free and can be found at:
http://www.download.com/Eraser/3000-2092_4-10231813.html?tag=lst-0-4
You can actually use Eraser to delete / overwrite the files at the same time and then use it to wipe the free space.
Then, second, if you want to be really secure, re-partition and re-format the drive and re-install the O/S with associated laptop utilities. The main problem with this second part it that is takes some time and has to be done properly or some things might not work properly, like battery life being dramatically reduced. The manufacturer configuration and utilities need to be reinstalled properly. Hopefully, you will have some CDs specifically for this, like I do from Compaq. The downside with this is that you would have to also reinstall any software you wish to transfer when you sell it.
2006-09-01 09:31:07 · answer #1 · answered by TechNeo 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Programs can always be reloaded. If your selling it I wouldnt worry about programs I would worry about removing the documents and whatever else is valuable. Best thing would be to reformat windows ( reinstall the operating system with Full FAT32/ or NTFS format ) wipes everything and reinstalls the OS.
Any other questions feel free to send a message.
2006-09-01 09:35:55 · answer #2 · answered by nerdboy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only way to ensure your data is not stolen is to remove the hard disk and replace it with a new, blank one when you sell it. Even after reformatting the hard drive the data will still be recovered. I have personally seen data recovered from low-level formatted hard drives that were really erased with that method. The data can be read by special electronic equipment even after being over-written 3 times.
2006-09-01 09:38:18 · answer #3 · answered by aegrotatio 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The safest way is to delete (reformating) everything and reinstall Windows. Starting all over however, before you do this take a backup of everything you want on the next computer.
2006-09-01 09:38:21 · answer #4 · answered by Texan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I found a site that has a program to clean the hard drive. Government approved.
2006-09-01 11:29:30 · answer #5 · answered by twentyeight7 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Based on recent gaffes by the GAO, the DVA and the DOD, I would forget about programs or formatting.
Remove the hard-drive, and destroy the controller board on it. Drives aren't that expensive--as little as $50--but losing your financial and personal infor is as the credit-card ad puts it...priceless.
2006-09-01 09:39:01 · answer #6 · answered by ericnifromnm081970 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only sure way is to format your harddrive and reinstall the OS.
You shouldn't leave any software like Photoshop, since you have bought the licence (right?), you wouldn't want to give that away.
2006-09-01 09:31:37 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Format your hard drive(s)
2006-09-01 09:32:13 · answer #8 · answered by rcrespo@sbcglobal.net 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
look at the top of ur screen and it says "tools"
Click internet option and click "CLEAR" on ur cookies, history and all that stuff.
2006-09-01 09:37:47 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
just format it. easiest way to erase ALL data.
2006-09-01 09:33:38 · answer #10 · answered by lomatar1186 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋