Genealogy Chat

Hi Jackie

Just found this go to www.pcmag.co.uk/articles/print/2146582

Thet tell you all about it and recommend a free downlaod called Eraser.

Hope this helps!

There is a programme that can be downloaded free that completely wipes over your hard disk. Your information can't be completely deleted but this programme runs lots of gobble di gook over it so that your info can't be read. I wouldn't trust system restore and that can be reversed. Someone on here might know the name of the hard disk programme I'm talking about. I'll google it and post it here if I find it.

There appears to be some confusion over the term System Restore on here.

What is really required is a complete Operating System restore or re-install,. This can be done from your original disks if you have them, or as mentioned, from the hard disk if that is were they were saved.

This is not the same thing as going back to a Windows retore point.

The problem is that you are likely to end up with an old version of Windows, perhaps even pre-XP, depending on the age of your computer.

Another way is to remove everything by re-formating the disc. A bit drastic, and you will no longer have a useable computer until a new operating system is installed, but leaves it fairly clean.

A third way is to clean up manually. Remove / uninstall all non-windows programs and delete all your files, in my documents, my picture etc etc Remembr to clear internet temp files and cookies.

Then you have to run a file shredder program as deleting the files does not actually remove them, only the headers. A free shredder can be obtained from http://www.fileshredder.org/index.php. This will ensure that the erased information can not be recovered.

Even if you delete your files and re-install the OS your files can still be retrieved.

You can download a programme that will overwrite your old files so they are unintelligible. There is one that is used by NASA I think. Try looking at TUCOWS for a download.

Otherwise you would have to destroy the hard drive.

Sue

Ive got two old pcs in the house now - Im nervous of passing them onto anyone as I read about the info still be retrieved re passwords for banks etc. even if you delete all your stuff. This was concerning hundreds of puters donated to a charity and sent to Africa - fraud was involved. The article said the only way to make sure its safe is take out the hard drive and smash it up.

So though Id love to give my puter on to someone - Im very nervous of doing so.

My son said to be legal you should also remove all the programs like Word/Works etc. because they are sold to the individual not the puter. Oh dear, its a minefield.

If you do put it on freecycle, be prepared to be bombarded with email asking for it.

To choose who to give it to, I tend to disregard any which do not say please or thank you then chosse one from the rest.

How you choose the recipient is up to you, but that is how I do it.

I think that the System Restore does just that, Restores the system to an earlier setting. It doesn`t affect or remove any data files, so you will have to remove these manually.

Thank's Christine,
I can eventally get some space again indoor's once sorted & will check freecycle, good idea.
Thank-you. Jackie.

Most PCs have the System Restore on the hard disk. The CD is only needed if it gets damaged.
When you start the PC you should see an option to restore the PC.

Sometimes the option is hidden behind a splash screen. Try hitting F1 as it is starting up.

If you go for deleting the files containing your own stuff, do not forget to emply the recycle bin.
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Dave

Thank-you both, I will check if we still have disc & ask you another day if we haven't.
Thank's again for reply. Jackie.

Just thought if we haven't got disc can we use a disc that came with another computer?

Yes I agree, delete all the personal stuff (or save it to disc) and then sell it or give it away. If you don't want to sell, have you tried Freecycle? (google if not)

Sam x

Does anyone know how to help.
My daughter doesn't use her p.c. anymore but we cannot sell or give it away as it has so much personnal info. on it, what can I do,any idea's. ? Jackie.