2006-09-25 13:19:03 · 14 answers · asked by themanwithtwoarms 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Laptops & Notebooks
Files on your hard disc cannot be deleted only renamed.You can overwrite files but you have to fill your hard disk first.Delete everything you can.Then fill your H/D with music or video files,anything that will fill it.That should overwrite any files you want rid of. The only guaranteed way of deleting files forever is with a hammer.
2006-09-25 19:50:59 · answer #1 · answered by thomasbarn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some low level format utilities don't really do a thorough job of wiping the drive. Some information can still be recovered with the right software. The only utility I know of that wipes the drive and NOTHING will be recovered is Paragon Disk Wiper. This program uses a bootable CD or DVD and does 4 passes over the drive. Whatever is deleted, STAYS deleted.
2006-09-25 22:25:13 · answer #2 · answered by Daz 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ever heard about Low Level Format(LLF)?? Generaly, this procedure is already done on your drive when you buy it. If you need to erase all traces of data on the disk, a low format will do this. LLF will also remove corrupted operating systems or viruses. They will also remap the drive so as to reallocate all bad sectors to other sectors. This replaces bad sectors with good ones. It will make your drive appear to be free of defects.
LLF a hard drive will destroy all data on the drive and destroy any chance of data recovery.I suggest you make a reliable back up of all data before attempting this
I have done dis be4. Have a look at dis link. It will maybe will give u an idea. Go0d Luck =)
2006-09-25 21:09:16 · answer #3 · answered by ainZ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a small MS-DOS tool called ZAP.
I added it into the Windows Me bootdisk...burnt to CD version.
Just type ZAP 0 and it ruins the bootblock of the harddrive - including all partition info.
Then run FDISK and format drive as a Primary Partition.
Now you are ready for Windows. :)
Be near impossible to recover that way...
Acronis DiskDirector also has a wipe facility.
Writes over the space several times... :)
I just use ZAP myself...
The Acronis Recover BootCD Media is a good option for Large drives. Quick for formatting too! Is excellent for USB harddrives...
* * * *
If a drive dies. I enjoy throwing it around a bit and smashing it before binning. If the drive doesn't work, data cannot be retrieved. Couple that with ZAP first...
I also cut all dead cds in half...
And I keep all personal data in .RAR with a 64-bit password. :)
Passwords are kept elsewhere...in a less secure passworded .RAR. Then I cut n paste. Works very well!
The password is different for different categories... x3.
2006-09-25 20:57:35 · answer #4 · answered by The Mole 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
they sell progames at comp usa or circuit city called pergeing progames or something like that (I forget wehat there called just go there and tell them u need one theyl know) then put it in ur computer and follow the instrcutions this is going to erase ur whole harddrive so when ur done put ur windows cd or recorvy cd in and install that and that will solve ur problem u can also reformat but that doesnt always get rid of everything also ASK the peopl;e at the store how to do it they may bhe able to explain it bette. if u need any more help email me at hay_einstein@yahoo.com P.s Dont listen to the girl above me a system restore will not help with this problem
2006-09-25 20:23:32 · answer #5 · answered by DarkLotus 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd recommend doing a re-install of Windows and doing a reformat of the hard drive during the install. Before the installation or on another PC download a free shredder software like Zilla Data Nuker (www.zillasoft.ws); there are many of them out there to chose from.
After the Windows installation, install and run the shredder software to shred the "free space" on the drive; I'd use the German Standard or D.o.D. Standard to make sure no one can recover your information. A note of caution, make sure that you shred only the free space, otherwise you'll need to re-install Windows.
2006-09-25 20:33:25 · answer #6 · answered by Chris R 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Prices for hard drives, including laptop drives, have come down significantly in the last several years. I would just drop $50 or so on a new drive and just swap out your current one.
Consider how much your time is worth to FDISK it, format it, etc. and even the expense of 3rd party software that does it for you, and and the cost of a new drive is a bargain.
Below I've linked to a 60GB drive on eBay that is $50 including shipping!
2006-09-25 20:26:02 · answer #7 · answered by country bear 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can either buy a program eg Secure Clean/Wipe Drive which overwrites several times or you can get more sophisticated ones like Evidence Eliminator which eradicates any magnetic shadow....but why bother?..Just get another 2.5inch laptop hard drive & put that in. (about £25 for a 30Gb one on eBay.)
2006-09-25 20:34:38 · answer #8 · answered by baz 9 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Run Killdisk on your drive to erase your data permanently. A free version is available. After running Killdisk, re-install the operating system to get it back to a functioning state.
2006-09-25 20:28:37 · answer #9 · answered by Yushy Y 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you need to format windows completely and reinstall windows only 100% way of wiping everything not that hard to do your self you should have been given a backup cd when you bought your laptop that will do it for you just remember to backup anything you wont to keep on cds/dvd
2006-09-25 20:36:49 · answer #10 · answered by bobbster_bro 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋