I am updating my pc. The one I have has all my passwords,bank account details,online contacts,etc. How do I make sure these are truly ''deleted'' before I pass on my Pc ?
Thanks Harry
2007-08-16 00:52:57 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
Format wipes it clean.
2007-08-18 16:41:00 · answer #1 · answered by Karz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very simple, format the hard drive with "Windows format utility", if u have more than 1 partiton on the hard drive (2, 3, 4) format them 1 by one. Pay attention that C:\ the partition where Windows resides cannot be formated with the utility. U may try another method,: insert the "Windows xp installation disk" and boot...when the screen with the partitions appears delete the partition one by one..or in the worst case use partition magic 8 from www.powerquest.com. Good Luck!
2007-08-16 01:02:53 · answer #2 · answered by Angel of Death 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Reformat the computer with the operating system disc. If you use Windows XP, follow this guide
http://helpdesk.its.uiowa.edu/windows/instructions/reformat.htm
This will erase the harddrive and reinstall the operating system as if you just got it from the manufacturer. Make sure you have all CDs so that way you can install the drivers again too.
If you need more help feel free to IM me or email me.
2007-08-16 00:58:27 · answer #3 · answered by Drew U 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends how fussy you are about your privacy.
A simple format will do if you just want it empty.
However if someone wanted to, it would be no great problem to recover data from the drive, but.. they would have to really want to.
To prevent this and erase all traces of data, you will need a program that will write random data to the disk then delete it, several times.
Try something like: http://www.killdisk.com
2007-08-16 01:02:49 · answer #4 · answered by brainwreck24 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to http://download.com and do a search vfor "wipe disk". You should find several free programs you can run from a floppy (or CD) which will overwrite every single spot on your hard drive (usually three or more times) making it impossible to retrieve any data off of it. All they would be able to get are the random characters the program writes to the hard drive.
2007-08-16 01:00:16 · answer #5 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a program called boot and nuke. that will completely rewrite the drive in machine language which by the way the federal government uses this program. After that if you want to reinstall the OS then go ahead if the person you are passing it on to can do it then let them.
2007-08-16 01:21:55 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the best way is to use a shredder. there some free shredders, like one embedded in - spybot: search and destroy. the most likely way is to make the harddrive you want to dispose a slave drive in another machine, then run the shredder program.
2007-08-16 01:04:51 · answer #7 · answered by Will 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only way I know of is, to purchase a shredder software specifically for the hard drive. Best Buy is your best bet. Their "Geek Squad" can help you choose. Or they will do it for you. For a fee, of course. I would buy the software and do it myself..that way you can use it over and over.
2007-08-16 00:58:28 · answer #8 · answered by kys 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
use some software which completely wipe your hard disk and nothing will be remain on that but that will harm your hard disk
2007-08-16 00:59:17 · answer #9 · answered by a 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
u can do a slow reformat
2007-08-16 00:57:56 · answer #10 · answered by tresejuk.geo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋