I purchased a notebook computer about one year ago. It came pre-loaded with Windows 7 as it's OS. I want to get rid of the computer. If I clean the HD, I assume it will no longer have an OS. Is there a way to get rid of what's on there without losing the OS?
Cleaning My Hard Drive
- Thread starter ineedhelp
- Start date
- 11,997
You can create restore disks and wipe it that way or you should be able to do a factory reset (easier).
- 11,997
- 15,041
Why are you cleaning off the hard drive?
If you intend to sell it or give it away, simply deleting or reformatting the hard drive is not enough. Particularly if you had sensitive data on it. Make sure you wipe the hard drive. You'll need another program to do it, Windows 7 is not set up to do a thorough job, it only does one pass.
Of course, the odds of someone trying to recover the data on the drive is slim, so its up to you if the risk is worth the effort.
If you intend to sell it or give it away, simply deleting or reformatting the hard drive is not enough. Particularly if you had sensitive data on it. Make sure you wipe the hard drive. You'll need another program to do it, Windows 7 is not set up to do a thorough job, it only does one pass.
Of course, the odds of someone trying to recover the data on the drive is slim, so its up to you if the risk is worth the effort.
- 11,997
Unless you have state secrets on it, truly wiping the disk is likely unnecessary. If you just don't want people digging through your old mail and pictures, a factory reset is more than enough. If you make backup disks you could really guarantee it by replacing the hard drive and keeping (and presumably destroying) the old one.
- 15,041
You might have banking information, client information, etc.
It depends on what you have on it and what you think the likelihood of someone trying to get the data is. Buying used computers could be very profitable for the right individual.
Again, the likelihood of someone doing this is slim. But if you have client information, it may be worth it. I understand the fines can be substantial for revealing private information.
- 11,997
Absolutely. Premised on negligence. An encrypted harddrive meets HIPAA requirements, surely doing a factory reset does a better job of destroying data than an encrypted drive. I think your paranoia is getting the better of you. Either way, simply removing the drive is a great way to prevent others from having your information.
I personally don't own a mac, but think they are well worth the money from what I know and have thought about getting one. However, I do know people that have had problems with both. I've always had PCs and never had any problems... just reformat voluntarily (not because I have to do so). Whether PC or Mac...if you're well protected with appropriate virus protection and keep current on your updates you should be fine.
There are lots of reasons to reformat a hard drive... to each their own. ineedhelp...hope you get what you need to done.
There are lots of reasons to reformat a hard drive... to each their own. ineedhelp...hope you get what you need to done.
- 5,058
I think Dban used to be the standard for the avg joe of wiping a computer clean. Havent looked at it in a while so I wouldnt know if its still a good option today. You could take the HD and replace it with a 50-100 replacement, and get a crack of win 7 from a torrent site 
.
.
