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How To Wipe Out An Old PC

Discussion in 'Other PC Software' started by Panda, 2007/07/15.

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  1. 2007/07/15
    Panda Lifetime Subscription

    Panda Inactive Thread Starter

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    I need some input on the best way to clean a PC before I sell it. I know there are programs out there that can clean a machine, but I'm not real familiar with them and would really like some advice on this. I could probably just reload Windows with the discs, but I want to leave some other programs on it for the person I am selling it to.

    Any ideas out there? Thanks!

    :)
     
    Panda,
    #1
  2. 2007/07/15
    grensam

    grensam Well-Known Member

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    Re: Wipe out an old PC

    You can start by manually deleting programs you don't want by right clicking on a program icon and then delete it when finish empty recycle bin.
    That way is tedious but you will save programs you want on it.

    grensam
     
    grensam,
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  4. 2007/07/15
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    Panda Inactive Thread Starter

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    Thank you, but that is not what I mean. I know that when a person deletes files, that they really aren't gone from the computer. If someone wanted to see what files I had on the PC they could use a program to find them. I heard about programs that will rewrite your harddrive so no one can pull information from it that you don't want anyone else to see. This is what I meant by wiping out the PC. :) I already plan on uninstalling some programs that don't need to be on the computer.

    Thanks.

    :)
     
    Panda,
    #3
  5. 2007/07/16
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    I use Eraser for permanently deleting personal files - the program overwrites the drive space occupied by the selected files to government/military standards if required. Freeware.
     
    PeteC,
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  6. 2007/07/16
    CraigM

    CraigM Inactive

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    If it is an older computer, the hard disk is probably small in capacity.

    Just remove the hard disk and either sell the computer without the hard disk, or replace it with a new drive.

    The alternative is to use PeteC's suggestion, which is actually more practical.
     
    CraigM,
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  7. 2007/07/16
    Panda Lifetime Subscription

    Panda Inactive Thread Starter

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    :D
    Perfect! That's exacly what I've been looking for. The Eraser! I couldn't remember the name of the program. DUH!

    Thanks bunches for your help!

    :)
     
    Panda,
    #6
  8. 2007/07/16
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    You're welcome :)
     
    PeteC,
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  9. 2007/07/29
    Panda Lifetime Subscription

    Panda Inactive Thread Starter

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    dum dum dummmmmy here!

    OK. I installed the Eraser on the PC. I read the instructions. Now comes the hard part for me.....WHAT THE HECK AM I DOING? :eek: I know it's probably real easy, but for the life of me, I can't figure out what to do next. I don't need it to monitor files. I'm getting rid of the thing as soon as I wipe out the deleted files. Can someone PLEASE walk me through a simple step or two to clean the PC???

    THANKS!

    :)
     
    Panda,
    #8
  10. 2007/07/29
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Once you've installed Eraser you should have two new options added to the right click menu (when right clicking on a file/folder) - Erase and Erase Secure Move. You want Erase ....

    Highlight Files/Folders to want to erase - right click and select Erase - in the Erase Confirmation dialogue box which appears click on Options and choose which overwrite standard you want to use - #3 - 3x is sufficient and OK out and then hit the Yes button to erase. That it :)
     
    PeteC,
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  11. 2007/07/29
    Panda Lifetime Subscription

    Panda Inactive Thread Starter

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    Ok. That sounds easy enough. But.....I have already deleted all the programs and files I wanted to and now I want to over write them on the harddrive. Isn't this what this program is supposed to do? Over write dead files so no one can pull them off the computer later? Like any passwords that are sitting there or programs I deleted with info in them?

    :)
     
    Panda,
    #10
  12. 2007/07/29
    noahdfear

    noahdfear Inactive

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    noahdfear,
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  13. 2007/07/30
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    From which ....
    BTW - you didn't mention that you had already deleted the files :)
     
    PeteC,
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  14. 2007/07/30
    BillyBob Lifetime Subscription

    BillyBob Inactive

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    What ever happend to the good Old fashioned FORMAT ?

    It has been some time ( quite) since I used it but I do not think you will find anything easier or better.

    BillyBob

    OOPS !!

    Never mind I just went back and reread the 1st post. Formating won't leave anything.
    BB
     
    Last edited: 2007/07/30
    BillyBob,
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  15. 2007/07/30
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    My understanding, BB, is that even after a full format it is possible to recover data using appropriate techniques. Hence Governments, the Military and our goodselves use multiple overwriting to minimise that possibility.

    The only way to clean a hard drive 100% with absolute and utter certainty is to melt the platter down - and then the drive's AWOL anyway :D
     
    PeteC,
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  16. 2007/07/30
    BillyBob Lifetime Subscription

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    Good morning PeteC

    Now that you mention it, I have heard that also. But at the same time I do not think the average person has that stuff necessary to do it.

    BTW.
    As I have said before. I LOVE This BB. because not only maybe I can help but I can learn too.

    Time to refill the coffe cup.

    BB
     
    BillyBob,
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  17. 2007/07/30
    irdreed

    irdreed Inactive

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    If my old memory serves me correctly didn't Norton utilities have a fairly decent Wipe Program?

    I think Norton Wipe Info (in Norton Utilities) can do Government standard wipes but it takes at least 8 wipes to make a good job.

    Anybody??
     
    irdreed,
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  18. 2007/07/30
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    PeteC,
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  19. 2007/07/30
    irdreed

    irdreed Inactive

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    PeteC, Thanks Pete.

    Peter Gutmans article ......Ahhhh for the good 'ol days of studying Hysterisis Loops, Flux Density, Permeability, etc., etc., etc ..... sighhhh :D
     
    irdreed,
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  20. 2007/07/30
    keithsince59

    keithsince59 Inactive

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    erase hard drive

    follow this link and download the programe i have it on a flopy disc which if inserted at boot up wipes the computer clean. dont forget to enter set up and change boot sequence to 3.5 flopy first.

    http://dban.sourceforge.net/
     
    Last edited: 2007/07/30
    keithsince59,
    #19
  21. 2007/07/30
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Yes, that works well and I have used it, but Panda only wants to erase certain files, not the entire drive.
     
    PeteC,
    #20
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