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Considering selling or donating computer w/ Windows Vista Wiping out data.

#1 Mawquis

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Posted 07 August 2010 - 11:17 PM

Hey all,

I'm considering selling or donating my computer. If I do, how do I effectively and completely wipe out all of the data on the harddrive so that the next owner doesn't get caught up with any of my leftover data? What programs work best? What methods get the job done? I know little about this stuff but I wanna be as sure as I can. Thanks!

This post has been edited by hamluis: 08 August 2010 - 01:48 PM
Reason for edit: Moved from AV, Firewall to Vista forum ~ Hamluis.

#2 computerxpds

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Posted 07 August 2010 - 11:37 PM

If you want everything gone including the os then go with dban boot and nuke: http://www.dban.org/

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#3 figgis41

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Posted 08 August 2010 - 07:51 AM

hi,,,, take the drive out and use a 4 inch angle grinder with a cutting disc in to cut it in half then sell/donate the other bits of the pc.
100% affective.
good luck.

Figgis,,,, LUFC

#4 NpaMA

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Posted 08 August 2010 - 08:12 AM

figgis41, on Aug 8 2010, 07:51 AM, said:

hi,,,, take the drive out and use a 4 inch angle grinder with a cutting disc in to cut it in half then sell/donate the other bits of the pc.
100% affective.
good luck.

This.

But on a serious note; if you're that worried then simply take the HDD out and buy a cheap one to stick in it.