for example: SSN, Credit Card #'s, Pictures, Music...basically anything that is personal...... Thanks :)
Computer 1 is a Compaq Windows Millenium
Computer 2 is a Gateway Windows XP
Laptop 1 is a Dell Windows XP Pro.
Thanks :)
2007-02-05 07:25:45 · 12 answers · asked by krystle33165 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
Data on you're hard drive can still be retrieve even if you completely erase everything.
Anytime you delete anything off you're computer, the data is still there.
The computer just made your files invisible and marked them as OK to be re-written over.
You will need to check to see if your computer has a hard drive utility software built in or buy a HD utility software by a company like Symantec.com.
What you need to do is "ZERO OUT" your hard drive.
Data on a computer is nothing but "1's" and "0's".
When you ZERO (0) OUT your computer, your are turning all the 1's to 0's.
This will permanently destroy any data and no deleted files can be retrieve.
Then re-install your system software.
I also think there is a closed answer on how to "zero out" your hard drive.
2007-02-05 07:51:41 · answer #1 · answered by evil_twin 2 · 9⤊ 0⤋
Windows ME is going to be the problem here. It has no way of actually formatting the drive during install so here's how to get around that. Take the hard drive out of that computer and slave it into the one that has Windows XP on it then, in Windows XP format that drive. After you've done that, take it out of that computer, put it back in the Compaq and install Windows ME, if you want to sell it with the OS.
The Windows XP ones are easier, all you have to do is get the restore CDs (or access the restore partitions), choose the format option and reinstall Windows XP.
But, make sure you back up any files you want before doing so, I'm guessing you've already done that since you have a new computer and all.
2007-02-05 07:33:02 · answer #2 · answered by conradj213 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The formatting does not remove the data complete. It is always retrievable. If you have really sensitive data, you have to be extra careful. Take your hard disc out of CPU and connect it to another computer and format it. Go for slow formatting option. There is still better alternative. Take your Hard Disc out and fit another hard disc to your PC with installed windows. It may be used one of any capacity, you need it for temporary use. Install any specialized erasing software on it. Then connect your original hard disc from outside with a cable connection. First format it in the usual way and then use the Eraser or any other formatting software and erase your hard disc again. It works.
2016-05-24 19:01:44 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Data is never fully erased it just has zeros written over it. The best way to disrupt this is to defragment your hard drive several times to move the data around so its not in a long string. Then use a good disk scrubber. Failing this remove the harddrive open it up and use a very powerful electomagnet on it to repolarilize the disk.
2007-02-05 07:37:49 · answer #4 · answered by nathan l 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well you can download killdisk and just junk the harddrive and sell it that way. When done this way the information is not easily retrievable if at all. Or you can just take the hard drives out and throw them down on a concrete floor. Seriously. Thats about the best ways to protect your information. Whoever buys them can replace the hard drive.
If you just format the disk, someone can still retrieve your credit card #'s, etc.....When you format your information is not totally erased.FYI
2007-02-05 07:31:28 · answer #5 · answered by Geek Girl 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can use a program like evidence eliminator or something since its very hard to erase everythin by simply formatting the disk. Any knowlegable user can retreive information from a formatted pc.
2007-02-05 07:40:59 · answer #6 · answered by Elgato 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the best way is if you have the windows recovery disk is to perform a deep format on your hard drive then re install windows .If that sounds a bit tricky take your comp to a shop and they will do it for you expect to pay £30 to £40 but no more hope this helps
2007-02-05 07:33:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
For my clients computers I use Evidence Nuker for a trusted solution, I reccomend it highly. I have added a link to the Evidence Nuker website in the Sources Box.
If you need any help dont hesitate to contact me.
-DSummerill
2007-02-05 07:34:43 · answer #8 · answered by daniel_summerill 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Reinsert the original disk and reinstall. If not, you can use a program like window washer/clean disk and erase the information and then run it to wash it.
2007-02-05 07:34:05 · answer #9 · answered by Cy Gold 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
if you have the original factory disks you can boot your computer with the 1st disk in the cd rom and it will reformat your computer erase eveything and it will be like the day you first got it
2007-02-05 07:30:08 · answer #10 · answered by Newman 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋