ive bought a new pc and want to sell my old pc how do i wipe all things of my pc and hard drive is it possibl?

Answer 1

There are a few ways to do that,

- You can go to Windows Explorer and delete everything. You will have to start with everything that isnt windows (all programme files etc.) and finally the windows files.

- You could try to 'format' the disk, again, from windows explorer

- You could buy a software package that does it all for you

- Replace the Hard disk with a new one (easy to do - loads of info on the web how to do it) and you can put the old hrd disk in the new pc (clean it like above and it will be good)

Taking the hard disk out and puttng a new one in it is the best way to ensure no data falls into the wrong hands. There is a chance it will if you sell it but if you sell it through a paper then there isnt so much chance of it happening.

Doing any of the above will remove windows from your system and that will need to be installed before it can be used again

Answer 2

You can get a programme to do a secure erase which involes writing random patterns many times to erase traces of data, cheap but not free. Beware just overwriting with zeroes does not give protection against hackers. If you are very worried about the data either get a new drive or sell it without disk. A format does NOT EVER remove files it simply removes the directory pointer to the file headers, they are still there for recovery.

You can re-install the O/S and then fill the disk entirely by making a copy of a large directory, eg program files. Then copy the copy directory again to a folder within that directory, essentially doubling the size. Do it again and again, each time doubling the size of the folder until eventually there is insufficient disk. Use smaller folders to completely fill available space. Repeat with a different starting folder for extra security. Not perfect but it is free of cost.

Answer 3

If you want to do it right, there is a program called Darik's Boot and Nuke. http://dban.sourceforge.net/ It makes a floppy, you boot from it, and it wipes the entire drive. None of the data will ever be retrievable. Formatting does not delete the data. Anyone with a shareware undelete program can bring that data back.

Here is what the boot and nuke page says.

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.

DBAN is a means of ensuring due diligence in computer recycling, a way of preventing identity theft if you want to sell a computer, and a good way to totally clean a Microsoft Windows installation of viruses and spyware. DBAN prevents or thoroughly hinders all known techniques of hard disk forensic analysis.

Answer 4

Don't rely on formatting your hard drive, the files aren't removed, only the headers are, it's like taking the index out of a book, the pages are still there! The best way is to remove the hard drive and smash it! A new hard drive is cheap these days, or just sell it without one. There are software programmes which will clear the hard disc, but definitely DON'T just format it!

Answer 5

If you live in the UK take your PC to PC world they will wipe everything off it for you for £30, but i have no idea how thorough they are...

Answer 6

Why risk it? Just take out the hard drive and don't lose any sleep on it!

Answer 7

Format it ask someone from the computer service store to do it for you if you don't know how to do it.

Answer 8

depending wot operating system you have, you can go to dos and type format c:\

Answer 9

Don't do it - i tried that and the system crashed and had to be reinstalled.