2007-08-03 05:01:35 · 8 answers · asked by WebO 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
Low Level format that hard drive any other way a person can retrieve all personal data Low level will over write every thing Then reinstall system if for some reason you want it on there. Low level is a security format not what windows will do. Down load the hard drive manufacturers soft ware utilities from there site (its free)copy it to 31/2 floppy or an iso file to cd and reboot with floppy or cd in that drive and make sure that drive is set to 1st boot order in bios. Youll have to look for the low level format utility and execute it from there. If this is windows xp or vista os dont bother reinstalling as when it first boots up it will recognize that its not the same computer and that person will have to buy a license anyway Their better off installing it on their computer as a clean install If you dont believe this go to a data retrieval site and ask ! If anyone tells you differant they cant hack past point and click. By the way low level format over writes with 0s and 1s
2007-08-03 05:43:02 · answer #1 · answered by John O 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do NOT think that hitting "delete" or even formatting gets rid of all the files. You will need aprogram such as GDisk that can do wipes to DoD standards. I have to wipe drives due to HIPPA regulations, and GDisk does a pretty good job. Formatting is kind of like ripping the table of contents out of a book. The words are still there!!
2007-08-03 12:20:07 · answer #2 · answered by Mybal Zitch 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The best, and safest, way to make sure no one gets a hold of your personal information is to completely wipe the hard drive of everything, including the operating system. It may seem extreme, but if you have documents on your computer with very valuable information (credit card info, bank account info, etc) wiping the hard drive of absolutely everything is the best way to make sure no one can get your personal information.
2007-08-03 12:44:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I recommend doing a low level format. Formatting a drive is... well, exactly like ripping just the table of contents out of a book. A low level format writes all 0's to the drive so no data exists.
2007-08-03 12:33:58 · answer #4 · answered by Pfo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Use the CD that came with the computer and have it erase everything but the operating system (Windows) that should do the trick and have the computer running smoothly after you donate it. good Luck!
2007-08-03 12:05:49 · answer #5 · answered by DJ C 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
All your personal files!
2007-08-03 12:05:16 · answer #6 · answered by Sami V 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest swiping it if you happen to have the OS cd that came with it. If not, then all your personal stuff. Delete any and everything inside of My Documents.
2007-08-03 12:34:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
you should be able to push delete on everything you dont want on there and when it gets to something that will mess up your software it will tell you its going to mess up your software or delete everything and put in the restore cd that came with your computer and it will restore everything that came on the computer when you got the computer
2007-08-03 12:13:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋