Cleaning out a used computer

I am looking for a program that will selectively wipe a hard drive but will still leave the operating system and all important files alone. A friend recently was given a used computer and it is almost completely full (only 9% free space) of the other person's stuff. I couldn't even defrag because the computer needs at least 15% free in order to defrag. It would also help alot if this is a user friendly program. Any help will be appreciated.

 

You'd be better off formatting the hard drive and reinstalling the operating system.

I don't believe that any program such as you mention exists (or even can possibly be created) since such a program would need to sift all files into OS and non-OS bins. Many files are both and the task would be extremely difficult. Few people would be interested in such a program since its method would be somewhat hit-or-miss compared to a simple reinstallation.

What about starting out by removing all unwanted programs from Add/Remove?

A program like FoSi++ would help you find where all the disk space was being used and the worst offending folders and files:

http://www.programfiles.com/?LinkId=20373

From there, you could delete empty and unneeded folders, clean the registry, etc. and reclaim almost all the space used after the first programs were installed on the computer.

But, again, reinstalling the OS is best. Even with uninstallations, fragments of past programs will remain.

 

sandie,

Welcome to the board!

I must agree with Abraxas that starting fresh would be the way to go. That is provided that you have access to the OS disk. If not, you will have to go through the system and start deleting everything you don't want. Use the Add/Remove program for as many items as you can. There are also uninstall features in some programs, use them. You can also delete your temp files also. All of this should at least give you enough room to run scandik and defrag.

Mike

 

sandie, I'm not sure how well versed you are on Nortons System Works "Professional Edition "....But they do have a section on that CD called "Wipe Info ".

I have used this program but not in the manner as you mentioned. In the Users Guide there is a section on Wipe Info Options that you may want to take a look at to see if this fits your needs.

Hope this helps