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how to wipe a computer
julie03
Posts: 1,096 Forumite
in Techie Stuff
i have an old pc bout 3yrs old that i want to try and sell but i want to wipe it, its my mums pc but she doesnt remember if she had any discs with it,
do i have to go through every single file or is there an easier way to restore to factory settings
thanks
do i have to go through every single file or is there an easier way to restore to factory settings
thanks
0
Comments
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factory restore using restore partition (see manual), or install/recovery dvd, followed by ccleaner with wipe free space option ticked!!
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Sorry to jump in on OP's post
By reinstalling windows off a disk does that do a partition automatically.The solving of a problem lies in finding the solvers.0 -
part of the install from disc process allows you to choose, delete, create a partition to install it in, using a factory restore partition puts it back to the way it was at delivery!!
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It's recommended to use a clean, dry cloth to wipe any electrical appliance.
But...find out if you have a restore partition, it's not guaranteed.0 -
Use Darius' boot 'n' nuke to wipe the drive, otherwise someone will easily be able to recover your erased files.Never Knowingly Understood.
Member #1 of £1,000 challenge - £13.74/ £1000 (that's 1.374%)
3-6 month EF £0/£3600 (that's 0 days worth)0 -
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Using dban will wipe everything, including the recovery partition if it has one, meaning you will have no operating system if you can't find the os discs. And you won't get much for it with linux on.!!
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easiest way i would think is find install discs then delete partion then a full format which will wipe the lot and reinstall the os basically blank new canvas to start again.0
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I beg to differ. Whilst reformatting a drive (or returning to factory settings) gives the impression of providing a blank canvas that is most certainly not the case. All of the data remains in situ and is easily recovered using something as simple as using one of the many free utilities such as Undelete Plus, FileRestore etc etc.easiest way i would think is find install discs then delete partion then a full format which will wipe the lot and reinstall the os basically blank new canvas to start again.
Downloading and using dban (which is also free) will ensure that none of your personal data can be uncovered.My very sincere apologies for those hoping to request off-board assistance but I am now so inundated with requests that in order to do justice to those "already in the system" I am no longer accepting PM's and am unlikely to do so for the foreseeable future (August 2016).
For those seeking more detailed advice and guidance regarding small claims cases arising from private parking issues I recommend that you visit the Private Parking forum on PePiPoo.com0 -
The easiest and most secure way of safeguarding the data on your hard drive is not to sell it with the computer.
Take it out of the machine, and sell the machine without the drive.
Either that or take the drive out, buy a similar one, and put that in the machine - then sell it as having a hard drive, but no Operating System.0
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