How do I clean a hard drive?

[jay clock]

My Dad got a new laptop over a year ago so I am going to flog the old one on Ebay. I have "deleted" all the data I can find, and run Crap Cleaner, but there are all sorts of scare stories about people finding stuff on hard drives.

I want to leave all the system files, Windows etc there, but try to ensure that what I deleted is really gone. Nothing very sensitive there, and I am sure the CIA could do it, but anyone got any ideas?

Jay

 

[alecstilleyedye]

i'd re-format the drive and reinstall the windows os.

 

[Young Un]

Just a basic one - have you deleted the stuff from the recycle bin?

 

[Kovu]

i'd re-format the drive and reinstall the windows os.

Yes that does work, done it before.

 

[Sittingduck]

If people really want to get deleted data off the disk they will get it. Only safe way is to keep the drive and stick a different one in there. Maybe an old second hand one for a few quid.

 

[Smokin Joe]

Reformatting the hard drive will NOT erase any data on it. It is all recoverable with software freely available on the interweb. The best way of erasing data while preserving the drive is to download Cyberscrub, which will over-write all the free space on the drive (which is where all your "deleted" guilty secrets will be lurking) by upto 35 times (takes a while, though). You can get a fully functioning trial version free of charge for fifteen days.

 

[pw2389]

I'd run one of those programs that over-writes the whole disk with random bits and does it something like 35 times for each area of the disk. And then remove it from the computer and physically smash the drive platters(?) to bits (e.g. with a hammer).

 

[arron23]

id get a windows xp/vista disc whatever one u have and wipe the laptop clean of everything then just reprogram it .

 

[Twenty Inch]

Big magnet?

 

[dudi]

Wire brush and dettol.

 

[LLB]

Use the original restore disk which came with it. This will delete the existing image with all your porn and replace it with the image of the drive which the computer builders configured the pc to originally.

Once done, everything is lost and replaced completely.

 

[Cycling Naturalist]

Use the original restore disk which came with it. This will delete the existing image with all your porn and replace it with the image of the drive which the computer builders configured the pc to originally.

Once done, everything is lost and replaced completely.

Is it really that simple?

 

[Night Train]

I still have every hard drive from every pc I have finished with, not that I am paranoid or anything....

 

[Cycling Naturalist]

I still have every hard drive from every pc I have finished with, not that I am paranoid or anything....

Quite, one cannot be too careful.

 

[Tharg2007]

the safest way is to take a hammer to it. They are cheap to replace.