How to remove personal info from a computer?

**mikandmari** · 10-20-2007, 02:44 PM

I have a computer I'd like to sell, it has the XP operating system, lots of HD & RAM, and pretty recent software (in fact, I wouldn't have bought the new one if I'd started hanging out on this forum sooner!).

My question: How do I clear out my personal information? I use my computer for basic financial stuff like personal income taxes (Taxcut). I know I can uninstall that program, is that good enough?

I'm thinking of taking to our local used-computer store, can I trust them to clear out anything I accidentally leave traces of?

Thanks for any advice!

**YankeeMom** · 10-20-2007, 03:14 PM

You could do a complete reformat. That would wipe it back to the way it was when you first turned it on.

But a really good computer expert could still find traces of your stuff on there.

**Kitten20** · 10-20-2007, 04:49 PM

Unfortunately the only way to completely remove all traces of your info would be to smash the HD into itty bitty pieces (or trash it in some other way).

**bluebird728** · 10-21-2007, 09:56 AM

The best way to delete files perminantly is to use utility software created specifically for the purpose. What they do is overwrite the files with random 0s and 1s multiple times. I recommend doing this with your data files (when you select "save as" in your applications it will show you exactly where those files are) then using the disks that came with the computer return the hard disk to the original factory settings. There should be instructions for how to do that with your original set of documentation that came with the computer.

Do a search for "file delete software" on Google or any search engine and it will provide you with several that can do the job. Sorry, I can't give you a referance to one in particular because I have not used them.

It will probably take a full day to get it right, but well worth the effort.

**mikandmari** · 10-21-2007, 12:52 PM

Thank you for this information! I'll probably stop by our local used-computer store, to see how much $$$ I can get for the thing. Then I'll decide if it's worth the time or risk....

**Kitten20** · 10-21-2007, 01:01 PM

If you do take the time to clean it up, I would try to sell it on CL first. We just sold our two laptops on CL b/c my boyf's car broke down and we needed cash for a new (used) one fast. They were both gone within 2 days of posting.

**Edna_E** · 10-22-2007, 05:03 PM

Gov't regulations say that all hds that are disposed of must be reformatted 3 times - after which it is apparently either impossible to retrieve anything off them or the likelihood of anyone doing so is small enough that they accept the risk.