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Please recommend certain free software

lew
lew Posts: 399 Forumite
Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
Hi, I wish to remove personal files from a laptop with a view to selling. What free software would you recommend to overwrite that part of the hard drive to really clean it?

Also any good free dictionary software. I love my Oxford Pocket Dictionary but it will not load on my pc and laptop Because I have Windows 7 64 bit. (Preferably not a HUGE file) Just need it for spelling and basic definitions.
Many thanks.
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Comments

  • HoofeHearted
    HoofeHearted Posts: 2,652 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic
    lew wrote: »
    Hi, I wish to remove personal files from a laptop with a view to selling. What free software would you recommend to overwrite that part of the hard drive to really clean it?


    Look at one of my earlier posts here.

    Hope that helps. :j
  • BillScarab
    BillScarab Posts: 6,027 Forumite
    If you really want to clean the hard drive the best thing is to use something like Dban to erase the entire disk.

    You will then need to re-install the Operating System however so don't do this unless you have the install disk, know the product key and have, or know where to get, the necessary drivers.
    It's my problem, it's my problem
    If I feel the need to hide
    And it's my problem if I have no friends
    And feel I want to die


  • mr_fishbulb
    mr_fishbulb Posts: 5,224 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    As BillScarab says, don't erase the whole disk unless you are able to reinstall OS and software before selling it. If you don't know how to re-install everything or don't have the disks, then it won't be a very attractive buy.

    I'd suggest deleting all your personal files (out of the recycle bin too) and using CCleaner to delete all the temp files. Then use a program such as Eraser to erase the free space on the drive so the files can't be recovered.
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