Deleting all files from tower before selling
Does anyone know how I can completely delete all "deleted files" from my PC. I have removed all the folders that had my personal stuff in, etc but cant they still be accessed in some archive somewhere - does anyone know how to locate and clear this completely.
Ive upgrade my PC tower and I am selling my old one but dont really want my information going with it.
Cheers
tgm1974 Fri 18/07/08 12:48
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I used Eraser to do this a few weeks ago. This was suggested on answerbank by others (search for Eraser)
http://www.heidi.ie/node/6
It can run from a hard disk (master) and erase a slave hard drive.
Or it can run from diskette and erase a master hard drive.
If you only have one master hard drive, and no diskette drive, not sure what you can do.
You may be a able to put it on a bootable CD, or maybe put your OLD hard disk in your NEW tower and do it in there, before putting it back in your old tower.
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I misred your question and it seems you only want to remove deleted files and folders, not your whole hard drive.
I think eraser can still do this (although it is not what I used it for, I cleared my whole hard drive).
I think Eraser can write over all the empty space on your hard drive.
Note: Windows still leave all sorts of info in hidden folders and hidden files so there could still be personal info on your computer, even if you THINK you have removed it all.
What I would do is use Eraser to completely wipe your hard drive, then re-install the operating system you are going to leave on it (assuming you are).
That way there is no risk of there being any personal info on your computer. If you dont do that there is always a risk someone can dig out some piece of personal info.
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Best way without buying software is to delete everything as normal then turn off system restore on all your drives. Then using disk clean-up in accessories/system tools clean every drive in turn, this will remove the old restore points which could contain private documents. All this is best done after you have deinstalled any other software you might not be passing on to the new owner. When all that's done run drive defrag also in system tools. Also don't forget to remove any email and accounts from your email program,plus remove your web history, favourites,cookies etc. from your browser.
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...the only way to eliminate ALL of your details is to reformat and install the OS system
you will never eliminate ALL of your persaonal data
unless you trawl your PC with a fine tooth comb
the registary will still have details of your username logins and passwords, most files and directories are hidden
when you delete an account it still keeps all the files even if you select delete files (its a microsoft thing)
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opps
if you are realy concerned ... replace the HDD and use the old one in a usb housing
hdds are cheap these days
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Question Author
Thanks folks - didnt expect so much help. Will get on to it straight away xx
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