Does a system restore delete all files on my laptop?

Question

I have outgrown my Dell laptop and want to sell it on ebay,,What is the ultimate way to delete 100% of files, financial records,pics, internet browsing history etc and simply restore the computer to the way it was when I bought it??

Answer 1

Nope. It only rolls back any installations done after the restore point. E.G. If you have a word document that you created and stored in your my documents folder. It will not be deleted.

Answer 2

Usually there are two modes or options in System Restore. One option refers to the Destructive Restoration type which involves total hard disk reformatting and restoration of your system to its factory settings. In this type, all your files will be deleted and your PC will start running the same as when it was first purchased. The other type is the Windows Restore Option, which simply rolls back your PC to a selected or preferred restoration point created previously - when your PC was behaving properly. You can find this also at the Start Menu > Accessories > System Tools folder.

Thus, Destructive Restoration is the best thing that you have to do to make sure all your files are gone before selling your PC at ebay.

Now your next question probably will be - is there any chance that my files be still recovered after Destructive Restoration. My answer - YES. That's why I would recommend thoroughly reformatting your hard disk more than twice (to be sure) before running the internal restoration programs.

I hope this information helped a lot.

Answer 3

yes and no. Doing a restore to a restore point only changes system files. data isn't touched (usually). a complete reinstall will wipe those out but they may be retrievable by someone with good knowledge. you'll need to get a file wiper that supports giher level security. Wipeinfo from Norton does and I'm sure there are cheaper or free ones avalable.

Answer 4

No, system restore won't delete all of the files on your laptop. You need a file shredder or a drive washer like the ones available from Stompsoft.

Answer 5

Detailed answer: u wont get it here..but the answer ur looking fot...
yes it will delete it..
in system restore take the first restore point and click restore then after reboot u will find all the files gone....(the file u were having at the time of that restore will still exsist..)....system restore willl restore /remove everything....

Answer 6

purchase a severe GB reminiscence stick, keep all the information you want on it, or transport the information to a secondary workstation repeatedly back until eventually ultimately you're achieved. once you reset it, confident each thing gets resetted and erased. My workstation (HP Pavilion entertainment workstation) randomly shuts down. A techie got here and checked it out and mentioned that there is not any longer something incorrect with the workstation (Trojans, malware rubbish), that's the nearbycontinual. I in simple terms take care of it, yet once you have a guaranty you are able to visit Staples or someplace that bargains with those issues and that they are going to repair it. they could supply you a alternative on a similar time as they fix your workstation. happy i need to be of help.

Answer 7

Do a system restore. It will remove any thing you have downloaded,pics, etc. It will make it just like it was the day you bought it.

Answer 8

The Best sollution for you is to Format your Hard drive and to re-install WindowsXP again. After you have done this you have a shiny brand new computer!

Answer 9

dell gives 4 cds when u buy called formating... pop them in and all are deleted

Answer 10

I suggest using DBAN...it will totally erase your hard drive.