Wipe all personal information

stecally · 07 Jan 2010

Im selling my Windows 7 laptop and before I do so want to make sure that everything is completely cleared. Can anyone advise me on some steps I can take to ensure this?

Thanks,

Steve

richc46 · 07 Jan 2010

http://www.microsoft.com/business/sm...harddrive.mspx

This may help

I think Number 3 is the best solution.

FZ21Z · 07 Jan 2010

Do a clean install, ensuring there are no issues with anything. Number 3 seems a bit extreme for the average user.

brady · 07 Jan 2010

Darik's Boot And Nuke | Hard Drive Disk Wipe and Data Clearing gov compliant financial industry compliant

theog · 07 Jan 2010

richc46 said:

http://www.microsoft.com/business/sm...harddrive.mspx

This may help

I think Number 3 is the best solution.

Alway Number 3.

FZ21Z · 07 Jan 2010

richc46 said:

Alway Number 3.

3. Buy Software and Overwrite the Disk, Again and Again and Again

If you don't know much about computers, this might be easier than Step 2

Each to their own I guess.

richc46 · 07 Jan 2010

FZ21Z said:

richc46 said:

Alway Number 3.

3. Buy Software and Overwrite the Disk, Again and Again and Again

If you don't know much about computers, this might be easier than Step 2

Each to their own I guess.

I think that this post demonstrates one of the major benefits of this forum over, even, paid computer service. Many issues have various solutions. If a problem developes and the individual comes to this forum, he or she can chose the solution that is best, for them. Traditional computer, paid, service, gives no choice, you pay, and the one solution of forced upon you.

Dwarf · 07 Jan 2010

http://www.killdisk.com/

There are 2 versions, Free (restricted) and Professional.

http://www.killdisk.com/downloadfree.htm
Order Active@ KillDisk PRO.

ignatzatsonic · 07 Jan 2010

You can download the hard disk utilities for whatever brand hard disk you have from the manufacturer's website.

These utilities are free and typically include an application that can write zeros to every sector of the hard drive. It might take several hours to complete.

stecally · 07 Jan 2010

Thanks for your help everyone. Its much appreciated...