I just want to get rid of any information personal or work related that may be on there that I do not see. I just want to clear it off, leave the operating system on there and get rid of it. Thoughts? -Thanks
2006-12-21 12:16:24 · 10 answers · asked by Alex G 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Laptops & Notebooks
You could just reformat it and re-install the operating system.. this takes a while because you will then have to re-update it and then re-install your anti-virus and all the other programs. but it will surly without a doubt get rid of any chance of anyone or anything getting your personal data.
2006-12-21 12:21:03 · answer #1 · answered by Oh, It's, Ohhhh 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, theres a few ways to go through this.
The quickest, and easiest, would be to format the harddrive, and reinstall the OS (using either a normal Windows/Linux Install CD, or the restore CDs that came with the laptop) That would do the trick.
(Also you may be able to download and burn The system restore disks for that paticular Laptop depending on who made it)
The other way is a bit time consuming, but you would have to go through and manually delete all the files you dont want to show up. Since i cannot see the directory structure of your laptop, Its safe to say, anything that isnt in the c:\Windows, C:\Program Files is safe to be deleted. Also before doing anything, uninstall any programs from the add/remove programs in the control panel that may be important to remove (ie work related stuff)
Also any other accounts on the machine (if its Windows 2000/XP) should be deleted execpt for the administrator. Also go through C:\Program Files and delete any folder that doesnt seem to fit with what needs to be there or may of been left behind from add/remove.
And dont forget to empty the recycle bin when your done =)
2006-12-21 20:24:05 · answer #2 · answered by cyhawkx 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you have anything remotely sensitive on it a simple reformat or system reinstall won't be enough. Anyone skilled and determined enough can recover most of the data you thought you erased. You need a program that will overwrite the entire drive with random data, so that your data cannot be recovered.
A great, free program is Darik's Boot and Nuke. It does what the title suggests: you put the cd in the drive, and it overwrites all the physical drives that are attached so that the data can never be recovered. http://dban.sourceforge.net/
2006-12-21 20:24:22 · answer #3 · answered by unquenchablefire666 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would either wipe the hard drive clean (low level format) and leave it like that or wipe it clean and re-install the OS.
there is to much information left behind if you do it any other way.
2006-12-21 20:20:43 · answer #4 · answered by lv_consultant 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to keep the operating system right click on start click on explore then go to document and check your personal files and check any program that you saved personal things doc music photos.
2006-12-21 20:26:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If it is a windows xp, go to start, run,
format c:
2006-12-21 20:24:12 · answer #6 · answered by Charlie T. 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey Alax you will be the one that gets me to level 4 thanks. hopefully ten points as well! I would down load window-washer 30 day trial..
2006-12-21 20:30:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anointed71 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
do a system restore, and restore it back to its original settings.
2006-12-21 20:44:15 · answer #8 · answered by just_acali_girl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Reformat. ( How much are you selling it for? Specs? )
2006-12-21 20:20:08 · answer #9 · answered by vanamont7 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
format c:
2006-12-21 20:19:50 · answer #10 · answered by Yttl 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋