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Deleted file access after system recovery?
FloFlo
Posts: 32,720 Forumite
in Techie Stuff
I have an Advent desk top which i no longer want to use. It is the Advent 3115 a few years old just want to know if I can sell it on or give it away without the new owner being able to access the deleted files.
I deleted all my docs/pics etc and then I used the system recovery disk to wipe the hard drive and reformat. This was not 'system restore' it was system recovery the quick format which it said was a destructive method meaning that it destroyed any personal files.
I am only concerned as I am a teacher and wouldn't like any confidential files accessed - not that theres anything too confidential been on there anyway.
Many thanks for any advice.
Merry Xmas
I deleted all my docs/pics etc and then I used the system recovery disk to wipe the hard drive and reformat. This was not 'system restore' it was system recovery the quick format which it said was a destructive method meaning that it destroyed any personal files.
I am only concerned as I am a teacher and wouldn't like any confidential files accessed - not that theres anything too confidential been on there anyway.
Many thanks for any advice.
Merry Xmas
0
Comments
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There are tools around (such as Recuva) for recovering deleted files which could quite likely bring at least some of the files back.
A quick format only deletes the index - the files are still there, but just not accessible by Windows.
A true disk erase program such as DBAN will overwrite every single sector of the drive multiple times, (which takes a LONG time) but is the only non destructive way to be reasonably sure it is clean.0 -
The only full-proof way to remove unwanted/unauthorized access to even 'deleted' files would be destruction of hard-drive. So, you could sell on the pc without the hard-drive and therefore no Operating System - and take a hit on the price. I suspect the buyer would want a working and installed OS?0
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I am only concerned as I am a teacher and wouldn't like any confidential files accessed - not that theres anything too confidential been on there anyway.
I suspect also it depends on the technological prowess of the purchaser. So, you're call :cool:0 -
Hi thanks, might test it and see if this has improved the speed ,if it has I'll keep it for back up. If not I'll pass it on within family, its a few years old I'd expect next user to be last user not worried about getting cash for it but seems a waste to trash it.0
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I agree with davb. DBAN is your best bet.Try saying "I have under-a-pound in my wallet" and listen to people react!0
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