Deleting-Data

When a computer leaves your home, such as giving it away, trading in or disposal, you need to remove personal data.

Even if you " delete" the files from your PC, there is software available to recover these files! These are Undelete Utilities. These work, because the delete command merely removes the file name from the directory. The data is still there! So, to truly remove the data, you need to write over the old data.

Because this is not done often, most users don't think about it! Also, the rarity of the event does not leave a major market for such utilites. I have an old utility from IBM, that is a crude version, but it works. It can even be done manually, but that is a hit and miss, because you don't really know if you have gotten it all.

Options for Removing Data:

Format/Reload

Doing a Format/Reload is reasonably effective. It deletes the old partitiion, then you should do a full drive format, then reload Windows. But if you want the computer to work again (giving away to family, for example) , you need to re-install the drivers, install Anti-Virus, and whatever programs that you plan to use. This will make the data hard to retrieve (The FBI could do it, but probably won't).

Destroying the Old Hard Drive

 

This may sound radical, but it is cheap and effective. At commercial facilities, this was done commonly. A sledge hammer will do it, or an ordinary hammer with some good swings! This would require replacing the hard drive if someone else would use it.

The old hard drive, in many cases is quite small by today's standards, and hard drives are relatively inexpensive. Of course, you would have to reload Windows XP.......! For most users, this is more money and work than they planned.

Using a Delete Utility

This is the easiest way to remove old data. I have not used these programs, because I have an old utilty from IBM that does the job, and I don't have much call for this task. I typically do a format/reload.

for my computers. But take a look at these!

Program for Deleting Data (fee)

Shareware for Removing Data

Using your PC Service Person

I have had this request, often, It normally comes with install of the new PC. I transfer the data to the new system, set up the e-mail, then confirm data is accessible. Then we decide on the best way to remove old data!

After trying all of the above, and you want help, see Computer Support

I hope this is helpful!