Formating

  • Thread starter Thread starter Guest
  • Start date Start date
G

Guest

I want to remove all data from a harddrive. Will using the format feature in
Windows XP permanently remove all data? I wish to donate my computer and do
not want any personal information to remain on the harddrive.
 
You'd like to read this, especially the section about disk wiping tools.

Solutions by PC Magazine: Wipe Data From Old PC's For Good:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1838698,00.asp

and

PCWorld.com - Ditching an Old Computer:
http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,117330,00.asp

--
Regards,

Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows XP Shell/User]
Windows® XP Troubleshooting http://www.winhelponline.com


I want to remove all data from a harddrive. Will using the format feature
in
Windows XP permanently remove all data? I wish to donate my computer and do
not want any personal information to remain on the harddrive.
 
using windows format option won't permanently remove the data. There is
software available by Paragon software called disk wiper or Ontrack do a
similar application. However, it is difficult to say just how far these
applications go. While it will cover up data from the eyes of a normal user,
forensic software can usually uncover what has been erased. However, as you
are only wishing to donate your computer to another person/charity they are
not going to have the resources to purchase forensic software to see what
was originally on the drive.

--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org

The information in this mail is supplied "as is". No warranty of any
kind, either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the
accuracy, reliability or content of this mail. The Author shall not be
liable for any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages
arising out of the use of, or inability to use, information or
opinions expressed in this mail..
 
piler said:
I want to remove all data from a harddrive. Will using the format feature in
Windows XP permanently remove all data? I wish to donate my computer and do
not want any personal information to remain on the harddrive.
Click to expand...


To protect your personal information and data from any future users
of average skills, you should, at the very least, format the hard drive
and reinstall the OS and any applications that are being sold along with
the computer. If you wish to do a more thorough job of protecting your
friend's personal data, WipeDrive
(http://www.whitecanyon.com/wipedrive-erase-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. A quick Google search should also lead you to several
other similar products.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



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