wiping data from PC

[moody]

I have a PC which runs off XP.
I have upgraded (?)to a PC which runs vista ( big mistake, but i needed a smaller unit)
I want to give the old PC away but it it full of my old files etc.
What is the easiest way to clear the PC of my old info? There's nothing too sensitive on it - just photos/letters/old emails etc

 

[Fanum]

Easiest way is to remove the hard drive...they're very cheap to replace now.

Otherwise, there are lots of progs that will wipe the data properly (it needs over-writing several times to make sure it's gone)...There's a list HERE as a start.

Thirdly, you could format the drive three or four times from a DOS command prompt, but you'll need to make a bootable floppy or CD first.....shout if you want more info on that

 

[bowser]

DONT DONT DONT DONT DONT.

The cost of a new hard drive is so low that its not worth it, take the drive out and keep it or destroy it.
Personaly I would take any data you need off, take it apart take the disks out and smash them to bits.

 

[Womble]

Easiest way is to remove the hard drive...they're very cheap to replace now.

Yep - the simplest solution. Take a sledgehammer or nailgun to the old one

Otherwise, there are lots of progs that will wipe the data properly (it needs over-writing several times to make sure it's gone)...There's a list HERE as a start.

That'll work too. You also can do it for free with Linux, but if you knew how to do that you probably wouldn't be asking the question.

Thirdly, you could format the drive three or four times from a DOS command prompt, but you'll need to make a bootable floppy or CD first.....shout if you want more info on that

Sorry, that's not true - by formatting, all you're doing is telling the computer to forget where the data is: any decent forensic application will happily pull pictures, mail files, documents etc. off a formatted drive. I've had disks which have been fully formatted twice, and the forensics software breezed through rescuing many of the files. That particular app costs less than 30 quid.

 

[CliveS]

Buy a new HDD for the old computer. Cheap as chips. Keep the old drive as you can always install it as a second drive in the new computer and be able to access any information you forgot to copy from it.

 

[BeemerBaz]

The last 3 or 4 times I have upgraded I have transfered the drive from my old pc to the new to use as a backup drive, consequently I now have almost 2 Terabytes of space. !!

Can never have enough storage space, and no thats not a Gary Glitter quote !!

 

[judge]

I carry and use Darik's Boot n Nuke but it doesn't just remove your data it deeply erases the whole disk meaning re-use of that disk will require formatting and the re-installation of the operating systems & programs.

Anyone surprised Fanny has a lit of apps for this purpose

 

[sanqhar]

hard drive eraser

Do a Google search on Killdisk. It's a free download. Some versions allow for multiple passes to military standards but the single pass of zeros is good enough if there is nothing sensitive on the hard drive.

I can't remember whether the free version allows for wiping free space only (ie retaining your programs).

tom

 

[Paul Rochdale]

I have posted elswhere asking for advice on making a hard drive safe. A friend has a couple of computers which she intends of disposing of and wants to make sure all bank details, etc, are erased.

Being a computer numpty is seems removing and destroying the hard drive is the easiest method.

Now I'm happy to do this for my friend but I've never looked inside a computer and wouldn't know a hard drive even if it bit me on the leg. Is this a DIY job? What does it look like? Can I do this myself. Any special tools needed? What's a new one likely to cost? Obviously a new one would need reformating or can they be bought with Windows XP already installed?

Many many thanks.

 

[Clive]

I have posted elswhere asking for advice on making a hard drive safe. A friend has a couple of computers which she intends of disposing of and wants to make sure all bank details, etc, are erased.

Being a computer numpty is seems removing and destroying the hard drive is the easiest method.

Now I'm happy to do this for my friend but I've never looked inside a computer and wouldn't know a hard drive even if it bit me on the leg. Is this a DIY job? What does it look like? Can I do this myself. Any special tools needed? What's a new one likely to cost? Obviously a new one would need reformating or can they be bought with Windows XP already installed?

Many many thanks.

Take at a look at http://www.helpwithpcs.com/upgrading/install-hard-drive.htm

If the PC is more than a couple of years old, smash the disc and throw the whole lot away. It will be worth less than the price of a new HD.

 

[Paul Rochdale]

Thanks for the advice Clive. I don't know the age of the lap top but the PC is to be donated to charity.