how do i delete files

redbull08

im selling this computer how do i delete all files
so that no one can get into my old pics, files etc. nothing dodgy just my grandson's pc he has a laptop weve saved eveything we need
i hope we dont need to take the pc apart? be no good at tha
thank

redbull08

also whats all the f buttons for up top ie f7 f8 etc?
i cant find button for help. troubleshooting coz theres no sound?

momoyama

redbull08 wrote: »

im selling this computer how do i delete all files so that no one can get into my old pics, files etc. nothing dodgy just my grandson's pc he has a laptop weve saved eveything we need
i hope we dont need to take the pc apart? be no good at tha
thank

What PC?

Seriously, I'd recommend anyone selling their computer to use the rescue software to format (or ideally zero-fill) the hard drive and then do a reinstall of the OS and essential ap's. Should all be easy. Just use the CD-ROM that came with the PC.

bat999

@redbull8
Those f buttons are 'functions', you don't normally need to use them.

When you delete the unwanted files, make sure you empty the recycle bin afterwards.

After the files have been deleted it's still possible for somebody to see them if they are determined.
If you want to be 100% sure you have to wipe out Windows and install it all again from scratch. It's a big job if you've never done it before.

4743hudsonj

try DBAN to destroy all the info on your drive( second most secure option after completely destroying the disk in a variety of sadistic ways) and then instally a free copy of linux such as ubuntu or kubuntu(more recognisable to windows users ive found) so it has an os

or just sell it without an os

there isnt really any other secure option, unless your selling it on to someone you know very well who you can trust and then perhaps something like this may be better in your case

does a similar thing to boot and nuke above but alot less thorough and you keep your os

robt_2

bat999 wrote: »

@redbull8
Those f buttons are 'functions', you don't normally need to use them.

When you delete the unwanted files, make sure you empty the recycle bin afterwards.

After the files have been deleted it's still possible for somebody to see them if they are determined.

If you want to be 100% sure you have to wipe out Windows and install it all again from scratch. It's a big job if you've never done it before.

Total rubbish (and dangerous advice). That will NOT 100% make sure the files are gone for good like you suggest.

mackers8923

Your safest bet is to retain your hard drive, destroy it yourself and replace the one in the computer with what I like to call Ebay finest. You'll probably have to reinstall what ever operating system was on your computer but at least you can be certain your data is destroyed.........

Have you got kids? I normally dish out the hammers and my kids have great crack trying to break HDDs funny thing is they always seem to do it!

bat999

robt wrote: »

Total rubbish (and dangerous advice).

Maybe you should offer the OP some non-rubbish and danger-free advice instead of just ranting.
:rolleyes:

[Deleted User]

I'll assume that the computer is pre Windows Vista, in which case a Full Format will do nothing but reset the system area and test the data area for bad sectors, ie the data it stores remains untouched.

How are your general PC skills? Can you write information to a CD and are you confident to install software?

Laz123

Or you can use Killdisk. It will wipe everything to Government standards http://www.killdisk.com/

robt_2

bat999 wrote: »

Maybe you should offer the OP some non-rubbish and danger-free advice instead of just ranting.
:rolleyes:

It was already given in the post above mine.