How can I clear my laptop

trevor_john

Hi guys,
I am now selling my laptop.It has windows xp on it which is fine but i want to clear any personal info etc from it.I have erased the obvious stuff i can find and on my desktop.Are there any suggestions on anything else i can do,
thanks Trev

Coldon

i would recommend formating the drive and re-installing windows from scratch

Coldon

ohreally

Formating the drive will still retain recoverable data. If you are concerned then get hold of a utility such as disk wiper...http://www.disk-wiper.com/

scheming_gypsy

if you don't have the XP disks to reformat and start again, log into the machine as the administrator, right click my computer, properties, advanced, user profiles, settings and then delete your profile off the machine. This will delete everything under documents and settings \ your user profile

trevor_john

Thanks guys for the swift replies.
Scheming_gypsy with your idea if i do as you suggest will the rest of xp etc work ok for the new owner?

scheming_gypsy

yep, all it will do is clear anything that is related to your logon account...