new computer, wish to erase all bits of info

matthew1025 · 12-22-2007, 07:08 PM

I recently bought a laptop from my friend, long story short their are some "inapropriate files and information" that i would like erased from this computer permanantly,things like internet shortcuts, internet add ons, etc. how could i go about doing this. would i need a new hard drive, new software? please help.

kungfujoe · 12-23-2007, 12:25 AM

Well, in theory, the only way to completely erase FOREVER and ever information from your harddrive...would be to remove everything, and then refill it with useless junk. Otherwise the information remains in the buffer.

Now, if you arent actually running from the CIA...

Reformat. You'll need an operating system disk (a la Vista, XP, or even Linux). If you know your way around a computer, then just pop it in, restart, and do as prompted with the boot disc.

For safety's sake, however, it might be wise to Google some instructions on how to reformat a computer.

I took the liberty of finding a tutorial for you, but it's set up for Windows XP. If you are reformatting with any other operating system, you will notice differences. Alternately, you could probably find a tutorial for any different operating system.

http://helpdesk.its.uiowa.edu/window...s/reformat.htm

Best of luck to you
KFJ

**sobeit** · 12-23-2007, 01:45 AM

There no telling what your friend put on that computer and where it may be located.

I agree with the previous response. You really need to reformat the computer and reinstall to make sure you get rid of all signs of inappropriate materials.

matthew1025 · 12-24-2007, 06:52 PM

thank you both so much

**ashumann12** · 12-24-2007, 11:11 PM

I also agree, If you choose to install Vista, there will bean option to do a "clean install". This will reformat your drive then install the os (leaving no trace, theoretically, of anything on the drive)

dai · 12-25-2007, 04:41 AM

clear the drive with dban first
http://dban.sourceforge.net/
gather together the required drivers before you start

12-25-2007, 03:54 PM

I agree with Dai. DBAN is the best way to go, and it will make sure NO recovery programs will ever find the data. All will be erased when you are using DBAN.

12-22-2007, 07:08 PM	#1 (permalink)
matthew1025 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 8 OS: winxp	new computer, wish to erase all bits of info I recently bought a laptop from my friend, long story short their are some "inapropriate files and information" that i would like erased from this computer permanantly,things like internet shortcuts, internet add ons, etc. how could i go about doing this. would i need a new hard drive, new software? please help.

12-23-2007, 12:25 AM	#2 (permalink)
kungfujoe Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Washington Posts: 79 OS: Vista Home Premium SP1	Re: new computer, wish to erase all bits of info Well, in theory, the only way to completely erase FOREVER and ever information from your harddrive...would be to remove everything, and then refill it with useless junk. Otherwise the information remains in the buffer. Now, if you arent actually running from the CIA... Reformat. You'll need an operating system disk (a la Vista, XP, or even Linux). If you know your way around a computer, then just pop it in, restart, and do as prompted with the boot disc. For safety's sake, however, it might be wise to Google some instructions on how to reformat a computer. I took the liberty of finding a tutorial for you, but it's set up for Windows XP. If you are reformatting with any other operating system, you will notice differences. Alternately, you could probably find a tutorial for any different operating system. http://helpdesk.its.uiowa.edu/window...s/reformat.htm Best of luck to you KFJ

12-23-2007, 01:45 AM	#3 (permalink)
sobeit TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NEAR Posts: 7,433 OS: windows/linux	Re: new computer, wish to erase all bits of info There no telling what your friend put on that computer and where it may be located. I agree with the previous response. You really need to reformat the computer and reinstall to make sure you get rid of all signs of inappropriate materials. __________________ there's been global warming since the ice age

12-24-2007, 06:52 PM	#4 (permalink)
matthew1025 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 8 OS: winxp	Re: new computer, wish to erase all bits of info thank you both so much

12-24-2007, 11:11 PM	#5 (permalink)
ashumann12 TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Alabama-usa Posts: 3,945 OS: Vista Ultimate SP1 (64bit) My System Blog Entries: 1	Re: new computer, wish to erase all bits of info I also agree, If you choose to install Vista, there will bean option to do a "clean install". This will reformat your drive then install the os (leaving no trace, theoretically, of anything on the drive) __________________ Adam Sr.

12-25-2007, 04:41 AM	#6 (permalink)
dai Manager, Hardware Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: west australia Posts: 56,287 OS: win 7 32x 64x rtm	Re: new computer, wish to erase all bits of info clear the drive with dban first http://dban.sourceforge.net/ gather together the required drivers before you start __________________

12-25-2007, 03:54 PM	#7 (permalink)
techpro5238 Guest Posts: n/a OS:	Re: new computer, wish to erase all bits of info I agree with Dai. DBAN is the best way to go, and it will make sure NO recovery programs will ever find the data. All will be erased when you are using DBAN.