I will be donating an old computer and want to completely erase the hard drive. Can I do this without deleting Windows?
2006-09-23 04:16:34 · 17 answers · asked by Marie 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
Well, if you really want to get rid of your personal information on the computer you will have to delete windows. I would use a hard drive wiping software such as StompSoft's Drive Washer. This will completely and permanently erase all of the data on your hard drive and make the data unrecoverable by any software means. Not to mention that this particular software uses the same levels of computer sanitation as the Department of Defense.
2006-09-26 06:01:16 · answer #1 · answered by the_green_grass_horse 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I recommend that you donate your Windows System disk (often called RESTORE) that came with your computer. Use that disk to reinstall Windows before you make the donation.
Reboot, using that CD. Select the option to DELETE the existing partition, then install on the C drive, allowing it to Format completely; then install completely. Register the installation as OWNER or other generic name.
When it is UP and running again, use Disk Cleanup, then DEFRAG. The combination of Format and DEFRAG will rewrite data over and over your old data, making retrieval nearly impossible. You will also be donating a good and usable machine.
Ask for a receipt for your donation, but YOU can fill in the amount. If you bought that computer for $1500, and replaced it with a new one for $700, you can probably assume that the old computer still has a value of about $500, depending on the condition. But Windows was a part of that computer, so by reinstalling it, and including that DISK with that computer, you have provided that full value of contribution. It is my opinion that a computer WITHOUT the software is simply ready for the JUNK HEAP and has NO value.
2006-09-23 04:26:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, kind of. but windows stores alot of data about you as a user. You are better of just completly erasing everything.
If not delete everything on the hardrive except for the folders:
WINDOWS
Documents & Settings
Program Files
Uninstall all programs manually and delete only the programs you know from the Program Files folder.
Then erase delete all other users on the system. Create a new user that has no data.
Log into that user and delete the previous user and all the user files in documents and settings except for the user your logged on as.
Does that make sense?
(Perform the above operations at your own risk, I accept no responsiblity for any consequences of the above actions)
2006-09-23 04:23:08 · answer #3 · answered by ufo_josh 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No you would have to completely wipe out the entire drive and reload programs. Please be aware though that there is no way to completely wipe out a hard drive, forensic computer specialists can pull up old data. So if there is something on there you would not want anyone to see under any circumstances then destroy the drive.
2006-09-23 04:27:34 · answer #4 · answered by feminine2712001 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Anything from a hard drive can be recovered even if it is deleted or formatted. Only sure way to prevent it is to smash it. The hard drive that is.
2006-09-23 04:27:00 · answer #5 · answered by ryan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
without deleting windows u cant do it, first format ur entire disk, then reinstall windows. But if the people whom u r donating is smart ennough they can restore all your datas.
to prevent these mutli level formatting and reinstalling OS might work.
2006-09-23 04:32:51 · answer #6 · answered by ssshhhhhh 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to reinstall windows, and removing any old information will depend on whether or not it has a clean install option. So the Answer is YES, but depending on which OS you have.
2006-09-23 04:28:17 · answer #7 · answered by smartestassofthemall 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Format your hard disc again...with a fresh copy of windows for other people to use it....if you are donating it....its the only way out!
2006-09-23 04:19:20 · answer #8 · answered by master_of_puppets275 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have to completely format all the drives in your hard disk.
But this will erase windows also
2006-09-23 04:24:43 · answer #9 · answered by limatsaurabh 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
format your computer using your installation CD. Make a full format. Or another option is to restore it from manufacturer's default configuration.
2016-03-27 04:27:02 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋