How do i format my pc a 100% without leaving any trace behind??

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  1. Posts : 548
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #21

    With all due respect, I strongly advise against following the advice of the two posts directly preceding me.

    Trustworthy software-based solutions documented and recommended by trustworthy authors have been posted already in the first two posts. Beyond that, I have already mentioned that physical destruction of the HDD is the only proper answer remaining if a software-based solution is not satisfactory.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 13,576
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #22

    Just sell it without the hard drive, problem solved :)

    I mean, if you are truly worried about it.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 2,177
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64
       #23

    King Arthur said:
    I have already mentioned that physical destruction of the HDD is the only proper answer remaining if a software-based solution is not satisfactory.
    AddRAM said:
    Just sell it without the hard drive, problem solved :)

    I mean, if you are truly worried about it.
    I agree with these, if you are that concerned over data on a storage device being recovered and don't feel software will provide you with enough trust then don't sell it etc and just destroy the drive.

    Regards,
    Jamie
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #24

    Have we lost realmadrid25?

    I would like to know the final decision on what method is used.
      My Computer

  5.    #25

    What are we talking about here? Why would you need to destroy all traces of data to where only sophisticated police forensics could retrieve it? If you have only the normal worries about bank and other personal data, then there is no reason you can't run Factory Recovery to hand the new owner the PC as it came from factory, or format to do a Clean Reinstall, adding at most Disk - Clean and Clean All with Diskpart Command.

    There is almost zero chance data could be recovered from either of those options. I've never been able to retrieve any readable data from a formatted HD. So everything else is tin-foil hat overkill, unless you really have something criminal to hide.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 6,285
    Windows 10 Pro X64
       #26

    Looks like the OP has disappeared. Too bad as this is (was) an interesting topic.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #27

    Layback Bear said:
    Here is a tutorial by Bare Foot Kid that should be helpful.

    Secure Erase / Wipe : Definition and Methods

    Here is another tutorial by Kari.

    Windows 7 Installation - Prepare PC to be Sold

    Greg that is why I posted this. It should take care of 99.9% of anybodies needs.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 263
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
       #28

    Ztruker said:
    Looks like the OP has disappeared. Too bad as this is (was) an interesting topic.
    Guess he was a hit & run.
      My Computer


 
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