in my old computer, i am giving it away and would like to make sure the person cannot see any private data. It has windows 98 installed. Thanks for any input
2007-03-11 23:02:46 · 10 answers · asked by mrs mac 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
DBAN=Darik's Boot and Nuke = DBAN=Darik's Boot and Nuke ("DBAN") is a self-contained boot floppy that securely wipes the hard disks of most computers. DBAN will automatically and completely delete the contents of any hard disk that it can detect, which makes it an appropriate utility for bulk or emergency data destruction. = http://dban.sourceforge.net + Note: Also see = BootDisks - PC Support - Essential Utilities = http://bootdisk.com - - http://dban.sourceforge.net
BCWipe = http://www.jetico.com/index.htm#/bcwipe.htm
Autoclave = hard drive sterilization on a bootable floppy = http://staff.washington.edu/jdlarios/autoclave/
PC INSPECTOR e-maxx = (FREEWARE) = http://www.pcinspector.de/emaxx/uk/welcome.htm = PC INSPECTOR™ e-maxx only deletes entire hard drives.
2007-03-11 23:09:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your best option is to use darik's boot and nuke http://dban.sourceforge.net/ to completely wipe your hard drive. This gives you peace of mind but also wipes Windows 98. You should be able to re-install Win98 from your install disks but bear in mind it is no longer supported by Microsoft.
To avoid re-installing Windows 98:
1) Delete all sensitive files. This is easier said than done. Some free applications (e.g. ccleaner) help but you can't be 100% certain you have deleted everything :-(
2) use bcwipe http://www.jetico.com/index.htm#/bcwipe.htm to over-write everything you've deleted. This ensures your old data is unreadable. Bcwipe is easy to use but takes several hours to run.
2007-03-12 11:53:52 · answer #2 · answered by JumpinJackFlash 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends how security minded you are.
Reformatting the hard drive and re-installing Windows is good enough for most domestic purposes, but this does not delete all of the stuff on your HDD. (it can still be read by experts)
The only way to be reasonably sure is to run a good quality data destruction program that garbages the information over and over Then reformat and re-install.
I would suggest this is only worth it if your data is very important or valuable to someone. (commercial or military).
2007-03-11 23:21:36 · answer #3 · answered by Ron S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You cant legally give your computer with a Microsoft operating system on it anyway because you hold the license and unless you are a microsoft authorised reseller your friend will have an illegal copy of windows.
But, reformatting the hard drive and reinstalling win98 would do fine if you wish to make your friend into a criminal.
I am sure it won't matter for win98 as its not supported by microsoft anymore
2007-03-12 02:53:31 · answer #4 · answered by Shane 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the make of your computer. In my case to do this I click on the "Compaq Support" icon and then "Quick restore", where there are options to go back to my last "system save" or go back to "factory condition", so if I select the latter that Will wipe out everything that has been added, whether by me or anybody else and whether with my consent or otherwise, and make the computer like it was when I bought it before I started using it.
2007-03-11 23:27:40 · answer #5 · answered by Wamibo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Scrub the hard drive, then re-install Windows, its the on;y way to prevent the files being recovered with programs you can get from the internet. Formatting isn't enough.
http://www.sys-shield.com - AbsoluteShield File Shredder
2007-03-11 23:08:57 · answer #6 · answered by sarah c 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
hmm, you might want to reinstall windows again, there is an option when you are installing to wipe the hard drive clean and put a fresh copy on, of if you are just handing it over then this programme might help....http://www.download.com/AbsoluteShield-File-Shredder/3000-2092_4-10164976.html?tag=lst-4-4
put all files and documents you don't want any more in one folder and 'shred' them with the programme
2007-03-11 23:09:58 · answer #7 · answered by Kickback 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to run and type cmd then once you in the command prompt type cd/ and hit enter.... then type in format c: and hit enter... this will remove anything from your hard drive
2007-03-11 23:56:50 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to a site called - darik's boot and nuke - it will make it safe and clean 4 u
2007-03-11 23:07:55 · answer #9 · answered by Sano 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
go to NKproducts.com
download nCleaner (free)
Give it a try
2007-03-12 03:43:28 · answer #10 · answered by Mortaro 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋