2006-09-15 05:15:56 · 16 answers · asked by daps don 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
Do a complete format/reinstall using the WinXP CD.
2006-09-15 05:16:58 · answer #1 · answered by Goffik 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are preparing a PC to sell, simply reformatting the hard drive isn't good enough. All that does is erase the hard drives file allocation table, the index that tracks where files are located on your hard drive. The data still exists on the drive. Anyone with moderate experience at computing could recover some of the data.
When I prepare a computer for disposal, I always securely wipe the hard drive to remove all traces of data.
I use a free program called DBAN (Darek's Boot and Nuke). Follow the link below to download.
I use the DoD (Department of Defense) setting. 3 passes.
This effectively destroys all data on every sector of the hard drive.
A word of warning. Make SURE you have everything you want to keep backed up to CD or some other format outside this PC before running the program as ALL of the data on your hard drive WILL be unrecoverable.
After running DBAN, you will need to repartition, reformat, and reinstall Windows and all of the programs that came with your PC.
2006-09-15 05:40:49 · answer #2 · answered by Mad Jack 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is only one way to safely wipe data from your PC. You need to download and run a PGP program and select the wipe disk option. It will probably take a few hours to run depending on the size of your hard drive. Basically, PGP disc wipe will overwrite the data on your hard drive, to the same high standards that secret government agencies use to get rid of sensitive data.
The next thing you do is to get the 'Product Recovery' cd that came with your computer. Simply insert it in the CD drive and re-start the computer. This will restore things back to how you got it.
2006-09-15 05:24:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
try formatting, but you could lose stuff you want, go to Serif.co.uk or dot com if you are elsewhere, and look up their software, you want their XP Tuner, and "Web wipe" without totally cleaning up your hard drive (formatting) your computer continually collects every piece of info you do, including e'mails, all the sites you visit, and often tracking cookies turn up. You can delete most of it, but not all. The probable best way if you're selling, is go to PC World and get them to clean it for you.
2006-09-15 05:29:14 · answer #4 · answered by blackfoot203 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get Partition Magic 8 or 9, then format & secure erase your hard drive(s). Normal formatting (with windows xp CD) does not destroy all data, it can be restored later. However, Secure Erase is definitive and can't be undone.
2006-09-15 05:19:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Create a bootable CD with the Format command.
Format C:\ ( and or your other drive)
Reinstall the OE software
2006-09-15 05:18:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think its called a "system restore" you should have a disk or a program on your computer that will do this. when I have computer probs I this to wipe it out and start all over.
2006-09-15 05:19:47 · answer #7 · answered by shortnsweet 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Completely format the drive and re- install the operating system. It will then be as it was when you purchased it.
2006-09-15 05:18:18 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Insert a product recovery disk from your manufacturer and follow the instructions ,it will tell you that in your manual unless its not your computer ? .
2006-09-15 05:22:35 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Use Darik's nuke boot to completly remove traces of your use
of the computer then install XP.
http://dban.sourceforge.net/
2006-09-15 05:28:00 · answer #10 · answered by markm 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋