I really hope this isn't too dense a question...it will certainly show my lack of computing skills.

I just bought a new computer and was thinking of giving my sister my old computer. Before I do so, I'd like to wipe that computer clean of all files and make sure any personal information is gone from it forever.

Is there an easy way to do this? One that would leave me completely worry-free about everything being completely gone? If I have to reset it to the original factory settings, that's cool.

Thanks.

Efan said:

That's all you have to do, John. Reset to to its factory settings. You can do this when your system is booting up.

Just format the harddrive..

You should have a restore disk. Run it.

If you restore to factory settings from your boot loader or CMOS, it won't remove data from your OS. I haven't owned a non-work PC based laptop though, so I don't know what they're like rolling out of the store.

Thanks, all!

Assuming you're on Windows, just reformat the hard drive and reinstall the operating system. That will completely wipe out anything that was on there in the first place (no surprises for your Sister to come across). Plus, your computer will be Baby Butt Fresh, and operate like brand new.

Anything less than completely reformatting the hard drive will leave the possibility for skeletons to come creeping out their closets, lol (as well as whatever other bugs or junk files may be lying dormant in there).

The only thing with that, is that the first day you'll be installing all the windows-updates which were issued after your install disk.

But it's the best way though

Vendetta1 said:

That would be like putting a band-aid on a possible gunshot wound. Restoring to factory settings alone would do nothing for the other files that are on that drive.

AlfofMelmak said:

No doubt. The entire process could actually take more than a full day. But it's the most secure method. Be prepared to roll your sleeves up and be patient.

Imago said:

If you're not the most computer savvy, this is the easiest fix.

IIRC, all you have to do is put the cd/dvd in the drive and if it does not boot up automatically, just restart your system and it should run the stuff on the disc when it restarts.

If you have a computer that keeps all it's restore info on your hard drive, just take a look-see at all the programs you have in your start menu, there should be a program or file referencing "system restore".

In either case, just follow whatever prompts it gives you to get everything back to where it was when you first got the computer.

PDogz said:

Really? That is what several people have told me since my other computer is having a "no bootable device" error.

Vendetta1 said:

It depends. The restore utility usually gives you the option between COMPLETELY restoring everything, meaning it reformats the drive then re-installs everything that originally came with the computer. The other option it gives you is to just restore stuff WITHOUT formatting, which leaves most all your personal info intact.

Basically, when you run the system restore and it starts warning you that you're about to lose data if you continue, you're on the right track

Nikademus said: