New
#1
privacy risk when preparing a PC to be sold
This is a little different kind of security question.
I have one too many PCs after renting a cloud server. I will sell the surplus. I reformatted, reinstalled Windows and the Service Pack and numerous Windows Updates. It was ready to be sold.
Unfortunately, I could not resist doing a little webmail checking and posting on sites such as this one that require a log in. Since passwords tend to get saved, what do I need to do to clear this computer of private data? I know I can go into Internet Explorer and clear the browser history but I read somewhere that passwords get stored encrypted in the registry. How would I get rid of that and all else that needs getting rid of, please? Browsing with Internet Explorer 9 is the only thing I have done with this fresh install.
I don't want to do the reformat and installations again because the number of Windows Updates is significant.