Hi there,

I have two old computers which are working perfectly well which I am giving
away. As I don't have the time to reformat the drives I wonder what else I
can do to ensure that any of my information is not accessible on these
systems. Both systems have Windows XP on them, one is XP Pro which was
upgraded from Windows ME. This is a 10 year old system, has had upgrades
along the way, but works fine for internet and so on. The other system is
also Windows XP, but Home. Again, this is a 2-drive system, fully
functioning, with 1 GB RAM, upgraded a few times. Both have XP SP2
installed.

So... What can I check and modify to ensure my information is unavailable to
the recipients? So far I have removed e-mail accounts that were set up.

Any advice on what to check... And how... Would be most welcome. Guidance
on how to clean up these machines without reformatting again would be much
appreciated.

By the way I will be giving the original installation disks away with the
systems. Will that cause any issues?

Thank you so much!

Lynn

It's a matter of minutes to format a hard drive.
---
Leonard Grey
Errare Humanum Est

Lynn Q wrote:
> Hi there,
>
> I have two old computers which are working perfectly well which I am giving
> away. As I don't have the time to reformat the drives I wonder what else I
> can do to ensure that any of my information is not accessible on these
> systems. Both systems have Windows XP on them, one is XP Pro which was
> upgraded from Windows ME. This is a 10 year old system, has had upgrades
> along the way, but works fine for internet and so on. The other system is
> also Windows XP, but Home. Again, this is a 2-drive system, fully
> functioning, with 1 GB RAM, upgraded a few times. Both have XP SP2
> installed.
>
> So... What can I check and modify to ensure my information is unavailable to
> the recipients? So far I have removed e-mail accounts that were set up.
>
> Any advice on what to check... And how... Would be most welcome. Guidance
> on how to clean up these machines without reformatting again would be much
> appreciated.
>
> By the way I will be giving the original installation disks away with the
> systems. Will that cause any issues?
>
> Thank you so much!
>
> Lynn
>

Lynn Q <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in news:C525266C.476AE%(E-Mail Removed):

> Hi there,
>
> I have two old computers which are working perfectly well which I am
> giving away. As I don't have the time to reformat the drives I wonder
> what else I can do to ensure that any of my information is not
> accessible on these systems. Both systems have Windows XP on them,
> one is XP Pro which was upgraded from Windows ME. This is a 10 year
> old system, has had upgrades along the way, but works fine for
> internet and so on. The other system is also Windows XP, but Home.
> Again, this is a 2-drive system, fully functioning, with 1 GB RAM,
> upgraded a few times. Both have XP SP2 installed.
>
> So... What can I check and modify to ensure my information is
> unavailable to the recipients? So far I have removed e-mail accounts
> that were set up.
>
> Any advice on what to check... And how... Would be most welcome.
> Guidance on how to clean up these machines without reformatting again
> would be much appreciated.
>
> By the way I will be giving the original installation disks away with
> the systems. Will that cause any issues?
>
> Thank you so much!

Reformatting a drive doesn't take long. You could have started the process
during the time it took you to type this message.

If you still have the installation discs then I would go ahead and
overwrite/reformat everything.

"Lynn Q" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:C525266C.476AE%(E-Mail Removed)...
> Hi there,
>
> I have two old computers which are working perfectly well which I am
> giving
> away. As I don't have the time to reformat the drives I wonder what else
> I
> can do to ensure that any of my information is not accessible on these
> systems. Both systems have Windows XP on them, one is XP Pro which was
> upgraded from Windows ME. This is a 10 year old system, has had upgrades
> along the way, but works fine for internet and so on. The other system is
> also Windows XP, but Home. Again, this is a 2-drive system, fully
> functioning, with 1 GB RAM, upgraded a few times. Both have XP SP2
> installed.
>
> So... What can I check and modify to ensure my information is unavailable
> to
> the recipients? So far I have removed e-mail accounts that were set up.
>
> Any advice on what to check... And how... Would be most welcome. Guidance
> on how to clean up these machines without reformatting again would be much
> appreciated.
>
> By the way I will be giving the original installation disks away with the
> systems. Will that cause any issues?
>
> Thank you so much!
>
> Lynn
>


Use a disk eraser.. http://www.killdisk.com/downloadfree.htm ..

Then re-install Windows on each machine. Also ensure that you supply
installation media relevant to each machine..


--
Mike Hall - MVP
How to construct a good post..
http://dts-l.com/goodpost.htm
How to use the Microsoft Product Support Newsgroups..
http://support.microsoft.com/default...help&style=toc
Mike's Window - My Blog..
http://msmvps.com/blogs/mikehall/default.aspx

old electronics is no
longer of real value.

the rule of thumb for
donating them would
be if they are worthy to give
to your relatives or friends.

if not, then donating them
to anyone else would be
just as unworthy.

also, each machine has its
own windows license and
you will have to donate that
too.

otherwise anyone who acquires
your old machines would have
to buy there own windows for
the machine.

however to make it simple, just
remove the old hardddrives from
the machines before donating them.

you can then install them into
your new system as slaves and
don't have to worry about
licenses or wiping the disks
away.

of course if you choose the
method above, then the
donated machines will have
no hd and thus no o.s.

but this would leave the
prospective buyers to understand
that in acquiring your old machines
would require them to purchase a
harddrive and a new windows
operating system.

the above is better because
the perspective purchasers
will not be confused as to
what to expect if they buy
the old computers.


--

db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>

"Lynn Q" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message news:C525266C.476AE%(E-Mail Removed)...
> Hi there,
>
> I have two old computers which are working perfectly well which I am giving
> away. As I don't have the time to reformat the drives I wonder what else I
> can do to ensure that any of my information is not accessible on these
> systems. Both systems have Windows XP on them, one is XP Pro which was
> upgraded from Windows ME. This is a 10 year old system, has had upgrades
> along the way, but works fine for internet and so on. The other system is
> also Windows XP, but Home. Again, this is a 2-drive system, fully
> functioning, with 1 GB RAM, upgraded a few times. Both have XP SP2
> installed.
>
> So... What can I check and modify to ensure my information is unavailable to
> the recipients? So far I have removed e-mail accounts that were set up.
>
> Any advice on what to check... And how... Would be most welcome. Guidance
> on how to clean up these machines without reformatting again would be much
> appreciated.
>
> By the way I will be giving the original installation disks away with the
> systems. Will that cause any issues?
>
> Thank you so much!
>
> Lynn
>

If you are concerned that someone may gain access to the data files,
yes then can with special software.
In which case you should run a special disk wipe software package
(see below) after you format the drive.

Then use your Windows XP CD to reinstall XP and SP2 or 3
Give the recipient a fresh start.
No problem in giving away the original media.

Eraser: http://www.heidi.ie/node/6
Also see: http://www.freedownloadscenter.com/B...rase-free.html

Note: Use the DOD method (at least 7 passes) for 'Unused/Free' space,
Make absolutely certain that you have selected the correct drive letter!!!

JS
http://www.pagestart.com


"Lynn Q" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:C525266C.476AE%(E-Mail Removed)...
> Hi there,
>
> I have two old computers which are working perfectly well which I am
> giving
> away. As I don't have the time to reformat the drives I wonder what else
> I
> can do to ensure that any of my information is not accessible on these
> systems. Both systems have Windows XP on them, one is XP Pro which was
> upgraded from Windows ME. This is a 10 year old system, has had upgrades
> along the way, but works fine for internet and so on. The other system is
> also Windows XP, but Home. Again, this is a 2-drive system, fully
> functioning, with 1 GB RAM, upgraded a few times. Both have XP SP2
> installed.
>
> So... What can I check and modify to ensure my information is unavailable
> to
> the recipients? So far I have removed e-mail accounts that were set up.
>
> Any advice on what to check... And how... Would be most welcome. Guidance
> on how to clean up these machines without reformatting again would be much
> appreciated.
>
> By the way I will be giving the original installation disks away with the
> systems. Will that cause any issues?
>
> Thank you so much!
>
> Lynn
>

"Lynn Q" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:C525266C.476AE%(E-Mail Removed)...
> Hi there,
>
> I have two old computers which are working perfectly well which I am
giving
> away. As I don't have the time to reformat the drives I wonder what else
I
> can do to ensure that any of my information is not accessible on these
> systems. Both systems have Windows XP on them, one is XP Pro which was
> upgraded from Windows ME. This is a 10 year old system, has had upgrades
> along the way, but works fine for internet and so on. The other system is
> also Windows XP, but Home. Again, this is a 2-drive system, fully
> functioning, with 1 GB RAM, upgraded a few times. Both have XP SP2
> installed.
>
> So... What can I check and modify to ensure my information is unavailable
to
> the recipients? So far I have removed e-mail accounts that were set up.
>
> Any advice on what to check... And how... Would be most welcome. Guidance
> on how to clean up these machines without reformatting again would be much
> appreciated.
>
> By the way I will be giving the original installation disks away with the
> systems. Will that cause any issues?
>
> Thank you so much!
>
> Lynn
>


To make sure no personal data is there, you really need to reload the OS...

Otherwise, erase the drives and let the next person deal with reloading...

"Lynn Q" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:C525266C.476AE%(E-Mail Removed)...
> Hi there,
>
> I have two old computers which are working perfectly well which I am
> giving
> away. As I don't have the time to reformat the drives I wonder what else
> I
> can do to ensure that any of my information is not accessible on these
> systems. Both systems have Windows XP on them, one is XP Pro which was
> upgraded from Windows ME. This is a 10 year old system, has had upgrades
> along the way, but works fine for internet and so on. The other system is
> also Windows XP, but Home. Again, this is a 2-drive system, fully
> functioning, with 1 GB RAM, upgraded a few times. Both have XP SP2
> installed.
>
> So... What can I check and modify to ensure my information is unavailable
> to
> the recipients? So far I have removed e-mail accounts that were set up.
>
> Any advice on what to check... And how... Would be most welcome. Guidance
> on how to clean up these machines without reformatting again would be much
> appreciated.
>
> By the way I will be giving the original installation disks away with the
> systems. Will that cause any issues?
>
> Thank you so much!
>
> Lynn

If you place any value on the data you used to have on these systems, and
don't even have time to format the drives, there's only one appropriate
thing to do.

Keep them.

Otherwise, find a wipe-disk utility and use it, and then find someone to
babysit the installs or require the recipient to do the install - they are
getting the media, after all.

Again, if there is information that is in any way valuable, private, or
sensitive on these systems, do not follow your original plan. You will
simply be giving the data away.

HTH
-pk

Lynn Q wrote:
> Hi there,
>
> I have two old computers which are working perfectly well which I am giving
> away. As I don't have the time to reformat the drives I wonder what else I
> can do to ensure that any of my information is not accessible on these
> systems. Both systems have Windows XP on them, one is XP Pro which was
> upgraded from Windows ME. This is a 10 year old system, has had upgrades
> along the way, but works fine for internet and so on. The other system is
> also Windows XP, but Home. Again, this is a 2-drive system, fully
> functioning, with 1 GB RAM, upgraded a few times. Both have XP SP2
> installed.
>
> So... What can I check and modify to ensure my information is unavailable to
> the recipients? So far I have removed e-mail accounts that were set up.
>
> Any advice on what to check... And how... Would be most welcome. Guidance
> on how to clean up these machines without reformatting again would be much
> appreciated.
>
> By the way I will be giving the original installation disks away with the
> systems. Will that cause any issues?
>
> Thank you so much!
>
> Lynn
>


Make the time. To protect your personal information and data from
any future users of average skills, you should, at the *_very least_*,
format the hard drive. You can do this using the original Installation CD.


If you wish to do a more thorough job of protecting your personal
data, WipeDrive
(http://www.whitecanyon.com/wipedrive...hard-drive.php) meets U.S.
DoD standards for securely cleaning surplus unclassified hard drives,
and could be used before formatting and reinstalling the OS and
applications. There are also several freeware utilities available for
this purpose, although they don't necessarily meet the DoD standards.
Google is your friend.

Otherwise, remove the hard drives and physically destry them.

--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

On 22/10/08 7:31 PM, in article (E-Mail Removed),
"Patrick Keenan" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

>
> "Lynn Q" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:C525266C.476AE%(E-Mail Removed)...
>> Hi there,
>>
>> I have two old computers which are working perfectly well which I am
>> giving
>> away. As I don't have the time to reformat the drives I wonder what else
>> I
>> can do to ensure that any of my information is not accessible on these
>> systems. Both systems have Windows XP on them, one is XP Pro which was
>> upgraded from Windows ME. This is a 10 year old system, has had upgrades
>> along the way, but works fine for internet and so on. The other system is
>> also Windows XP, but Home. Again, this is a 2-drive system, fully
>> functioning, with 1 GB RAM, upgraded a few times. Both have XP SP2
>> installed.
>>
>> So... What can I check and modify to ensure my information is unavailable
>> to
>> the recipients? So far I have removed e-mail accounts that were set up.
>>
>> Any advice on what to check... And how... Would be most welcome. Guidance
>> on how to clean up these machines without reformatting again would be much
>> appreciated.
>>
>> By the way I will be giving the original installation disks away with the
>> systems. Will that cause any issues?
>>
>> Thank you so much!
>>
>> Lynn
>
> If you place any value on the data you used to have on these systems, and
> don't even have time to format the drives, there's only one appropriate
> thing to do.
>
> Keep them.
>
> Otherwise, find a wipe-disk utility and use it, and then find someone to
> babysit the installs or require the recipient to do the install - they are
> getting the media, after all.
>
> Again, if there is information that is in any way valuable, private, or
> sensitive on these systems, do not follow your original plan. You will
> simply be giving the data away.
>
> HTH
> -pk
>
>
>
Thank you for all your responses, they're appreciated. I goofed when I said
I didn't have time to re-format, it's mostly the time to reformat and then
reload all the software and updates to XP SP2 standard. Even on a high
speed connection this is a considerable investment of time. I don't mind
doing that, I just need the time to give this all the attention that is
deserved. Yes, as I mentioned, the original disks will be going with each
computer, so no problem them.

One other question, I have to activate the installs again so that the
updates can be put on, can I do this without putting a name to the install?

Any other tips on what to do on the reformat and what to avoid?

Thanks again!

Lynn