I want to delete every single file and program from my computer. I want to have absolutley nothing on it, just like when you first buy a computer. How do I go abotu doing this? I would really appreciate some answers on this one guys!
2007-10-27 14:02:15 · 6 answers · asked by qtn158 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
Are you sure you want to delete everything - even the operating system???
Three obvious questions spring to mind - why do you need to delete everything? Do do you have the skill-set to do it? and what are you trying to hide? Failure to answer these questions sufficiently might be enough to motivate the legal services to hand your machine to a forensics team for data recovery.
You could gain a false sense of security by simply formatting the hard disk as already mentioned above - however, even after a format, the information is still recoverable on the disk.by a data forensic teams
In fact, even if you overwrite the tracks and sectors - the information from previous data remains as residual magnetism on the edge surface of the data track - it just depends how much money they really want to throw at recovering this data.
To be really safe - you should replace the hard disk with a new, fresh disk and install your chosen operating system on that. That would at least give you a platform to work with.
Oh, and if you want to destroy your old hard disk - you'd better find an industrial incinerator (you want to physically melt the magnetic surface on the disks) - just hammering it with a big hammer will mean that you can't use it, but the information still exists on the disks inside - they can be installed in a functioning hard disk unit and read as evidence.
BTW - if the law wanted to find out what you'd been looking at on-line - they only have to ask your ISP - they are required by laws to keep detailed logs for at least 18 months
Freaky - isn't it!
The truth is out there. - Heh-heh-heh
2007-10-27 14:36:05 · answer #1 · answered by cornflake#1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Reformat using the windows disc (bootup with it in the drive)
or use the recovery software that came with your computer, all computers are different.
2007-10-27 21:04:51 · answer #2 · answered by Josh B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need a set of recovery discs
get the model number
and contact the maker of the computer you are talking about
i bought a set of recovery discs for my hp com
they cost me 23 dollars
2007-10-27 22:26:04 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wipe hard drive. This asap may mean you really want to kill it or something lol. If you are really parinoid. Take out your hard drive and beat it with a sledge hammer.
2007-10-27 21:07:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
format
2007-10-27 21:06:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
er...delete all your accounts? =D
2007-10-27 21:09:45 · answer #6 · answered by ♫Asian Sensation™ 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋