question for the computer experts...

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looking to finally get rid of my old laptop and get a top of the line one. I figured I might as well try to re-sell the old one, even if I don't get much money for it.

My question is, how do I get rid of all my files and basically clean out the hard drive. I just checked online and some sites say to go to the recovery manager (I have a comaq) and click on system recovery which restores my computer to it's original factory setting. I guess it reformats the hard drive.

So basically I'm wondering if that's good enough. Like could someone who buys my computer somehow find any of my files or passwords? if I do this complete system recovery I read it's like the first day you got your computer and deletes everything. i just didn't know whether I needed to take it to a computer tech or buy some software to make sure my info can't be stolen. Thanks.

robois88 · Answer

looking to finally get rid of my old laptop and get a top of the line one. I figured I might as well try to re-sell the old one, even if I don't get much money for it.

My question is, how do I get rid of all my files and basically clean out the hard drive. I just checked online and some sites say to go to the recovery manager (I have a comaq) and click on system recovery which restores my computer to it's original factory setting. I guess it reformats the hard drive.

So basically I'm wondering if that's good enough. Like could someone who buys my computer somehow find any of my files or passwords? if I do this complete system recovery I read it's like the first day you got your computer and deletes everything. i just didn't know whether I needed to take it to a computer tech or buy some software to make sure my info can't be stolen. Thanks.

kickinA · Answer

Very interesting. I like to know the answer to this as well as I&#x27;m looking to replacing my old laptop soon. (And I don&#x27;t plan on buying top of the line stuff as electronics get outdated so fast these days.)

3rd_and_Long · Answer

Data can still be recovered even if you format the drive & reinstall the operating system. It's not easy, and probably won't happen, but you can't be sure.

Go to www.cnet.com and look for utilites that do a wipe of your hard drive. It overwrites the drive with zeros & ones and makes it much more difficult to recover any data.

The only two foolproof methods are a magnetic wipe (expensive) or replace the hard drive with a new one.

thorpe · Answer

[Quote: Originally Posted by 3rd_and_Long]  Data can still be recovered even if you format the drive &amp; reinstall the operating system. It&#x27;s not easy, and probably won&#x27;t happen, but you can&#x27;t be sure. &#xD;&#xA;Go to www.cnet.com and look for utilites that do a wipe of your hard drive. It overwrites the drive with zeros &amp; ones and makes it much more difficult to recover any data.&#xD;&#xA;The only two foolproof methods are a magnetic wipe (expensive) or replace the hard drive with a new one.   [/Quote]And a new hard drive may cost more than a used laptop.  Are you going to sell your copy of Windows with the laptop?  If you are then just need to re-install it and do a full format.  If not, then you need a utility to format the drive, or you need to sell the laptop without a drive.

banans · Answer

how much are you expecting to get for your laptop? they are so cheap now a days, I doubt it would be worth the trouble and risk, unless you sell it without a hard drive.

Iw1nBets · Answer

[Quote: Originally Posted by robois88] looking to finally get rid of my old laptop and get a top of the line one. I figured I might as well try to re-sell the old one, even if I don&#x27;t get much money for it.&#xD;&#xA;&#xD;&#xA;My question is, how do I get rid of all my files and basically clean out the hard drive. I just checked online and some sites say to go to the recovery manager (I have a comaq) and click on system recovery which restores my computer to it&#x27;s original factory setting. I guess it reformats the hard drive. &#xD;&#xA;&#xD;&#xA;So basically I&#x27;m wondering if that&#x27;s good enough. Like could someone who buys my computer somehow find any of my files or passwords? if I do this complete system recovery I read it&#x27;s like the first day you got your computer and deletes everything. i just didn&#x27;t know whether I needed  to take it to a computer tech or buy some software to make sure my info can&#x27;t be stolen. Thanks.&#xD;&#xA;[/Quote]&#xD;&#xA; &#xD;&#xA;Had a lot of problems wit this as well. This site helped me clear up the confusion a ton. check it out&#xD;&#xA;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StlMdNcvCJo

picc818 · Answer

i was planning on selling my old laptop but didn&#x27;t end up with any interested parties. so i kept it and use it primarily for downloading movies, tv shows and music before transferring to my ipod. if for some reason i get a virus, i&#x27;ll just drill a hole through the hard drive.

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