How to clear all data on pc

[David]

I have too many pcs and a friend has her eyes on my other desktop which will or could be sold .

What is the best way to clear all the data off,is it just a case of reset to factory settings,there is no systems disc although I did make a back up,

Whats the answer.

Im off to fit the last few lights in my ceiling now so will be back soon.thanks

[vitriol]

The only real way of deleting everything is a low level format, but as you don't have the system disks to reinstall Windows then thats a no-no.

If the backup was done when the PC was relatively new (i.e no software installed or documents stored on it) then I suppose that you could use that to restore the PC to an earlier state.

Might be best to garner other's opinions as I don't often do backup restorations....I'm a format and reinstall type of guy.

[john]

Can you not just delete all user accounts and files in the shared area folder? This may not render the data permanently deleted though.

[Glenn]

The only sure fire way is.............

[john]

  Looking at David's avatar that must be a picture of one of his children 

[talos2]

The only way to be sure is to replace the hard drive and install another system, but this may be a bit over the top .
You could do it the hard way and delete all sensitive data by hand using one of those high security deletion progs like Norton, there must be a freeware one somewhere on the web.

[Simon]

There's one called Eraser, but you'll have to Google for it, as I can't do links from my phone.

[drummer]

Simple File Shredder works for me and it's free.

[Simon]

Just another thought, could you not put the hard drive in another machine, as a slave, and then format it?

[somanyholes]

just use http://www.dban.org/

[talos2]

Just another thought, could you not put the hard drive in another machine, as a slave, and then format it?

Not unless it's a high security format, it could still be recovered

[David]

Looking at David's avatar that must be a picture of one of his children 

How dare you,its the only picture I have of my mother in law 



Im on a tea break but thanks guys...the person who wishes to buy it isnt exactly brain of britain so I dont have to worry too much......but theres some ideas for me here.if I get time I will try and get this done over the weekend...in between all the other things 

Thanks Glenn....... why didnt I think of that........silly me 

[Sebby]

just use http://www.dban.org/

I think that's what I used when I sold an old hard drive on eBay a while ago.

[Ted]

just use http://www.dban.org/

Way to go!

[Colin Burns]

if the computer was from a manufactor like dell or compaq its just a case of shove the restore disk in and tell it to not backup the data.

It will then format the C:/ partion and restore the OS from a hidden partition on the drive to the its factory default state and all your will be gone.

[Lance]

But a simple format doesn't completely clear the data, just removes the references to it. You need to overwrite it several times to have any certainity of it being removed.

[somanyholes]

But a simple format doesn't completely clear the data, just removes the references to it. You need to overwrite it several times to have any certainity of it being removed.

agreed. If possible do a pseudo random overwrite as this works better than overwriting data x amount of times without wasiting large amounts of time.

[Rik]

With the costs of HDs these days, I still think a 4lb club hammer works best. 

[somanyholes]

have to agree there. And it's a lot more fun as well

[Steve]

I am surprised nobodys' said "install Vista" Then you'll never be able to find anything anyway.

[Rik]

 

That should set people talking. 

[Colin Burns]

I am surprised nobodys' said "install Vista" Then you'll never be able to find anything anyway.

ouch its a good job im to tired to rant

[David]

if the computer was from a manufactor like dell or compaq its just a case of shove the restore disk in and tell it to not backup the data.

It will then format the C:/ partion and restore the OS from a hidden partition on the drive to the its factory default state and all your will be gone.

Thanks Colin the machine in question is only about16 months old and I did make restore discs so will do this,the person who wants to buy it is hardly high risk so it should be ok,there is nought to worry about on there I was being cautious just in case passwords may be on the HD...now all I have to do is find the time    to you all appreciate your comments and help