Old computers

[C2 RIBS]

I have recently upgraded with a new office computer and also a laptop. Now I need to get rid of the old items and before I do I want to clear the whole history to make sure no info leaves with them. Is there a simple way to clear hard drive etc or do I just smash it up?
Both were running on internet explorer

If I know I have cleared records etc I would try to find a charity to give to.

[chris.moody]

You need a program to securely wipe your data, as if you just delete it and empty the recycle bin it is still recoverable. The link below shows some good program's that will securely erase the data, and they are all free.

http://www.techsupportalert.com/best...se-utility.htm

Don't forget to wipe the disk free space as well as securely deleting your data folders. Also some of the data folders are not easy to find (e.g. Outlook pst files).

Chris

[martini]

I smashed mine up with a sledge hammer then torched it with the oxy-acetylene. I'm pretty sure the data is now non recoverable

And being the last windows pc I ever bought before switching to mac it was a very therapeutic exercise, felt much better afterwards

[Erin]

Unless you are wanting to pass the computer on with a fully working operating system, then the easiest thing to do is pull out the hard drive and smash that. It's cheap and easy to put a new hard drive in and let the new owner load whatever software they will want.

[SPR]

Originally Posted by Erin

Unless you are wanting to pass the computer on with a fully working operating system, then the easiest thing to do is pull out the hard drive and smash that. It's cheap and easy to put a new hard drive in and let the new owner load whatever software they will want.

the only secure way ... a six inch nail through the hard drive case! or smash to pieces with big hammer.

S.

[jezza2011]

Or you could just boot off cd and format the drive. unless your in MI6 your not going to get the data back.
then do a full install.

Many large compaines smash the disks up But I used to remove the HDD cover plate and trash the platers.
But for a home computer a format and a re-install will erase anything you had there before.

[willk]

I had this debate with meh IT consultant recently (Thanks DD, btw). I store fairly sensitive personal data belonging to thousands of clients on multiple PCs. The consensus was that there is NO secure erasing technique - it just depends how badly someone wants your data.

The odds are it's not too important and no-one wants it. So the kid next door can't get it, and the NSA/GCHQ don't want it. However, I have a duty of care to make sure no-one gets it, so out came the pick and 10lb sledge and 10 HDD's went "blam".

Wear eye protection

[Leapy]

Originally Posted by willk

So the kid next door can't get it...

Tis a life of blissful ignorance we all live in...check some of the ages HERE

[C2 RIBS]

Cheers for all the help. I have removed hard drives and will enjoy smashing them, the computer man who did all my gear has said this is the only way to ensure everything is safe.

[willk]

Originally Posted by C2 RIBS

will enjoy smashing them...

Maybe. I was surprised by how tough they were. After #6 I was flagging


Leapy: Better class of nippers round here!

Edit: ...or thicker, p'raps!