[XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data in Security

[XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data in Security http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r20419916 en Sat, 30 Aug 2008 05:18:02 EDT Sat, 30 Aug 2008 05:18:02 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20456509 lordpuffer : Sorry....Didn't mean to leave the others out....Thanks to everyone.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20456509 Fri, 09 May 2008 11:23:37 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20455822 Grail Knight : You are welcome lordpuffer but the credit goes to all those that helped you out as well here.
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"When the questions get tough the tough pull a MuMu". - unknown]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20455822 Fri, 09 May 2008 09:40:34 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20455733 lordpuffer : Thank you Grail Knight.....I will read up on Dban and other programs to find the best one for what I want to do.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20455733 Fri, 09 May 2008 09:24:05 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20455626 Grail Knight : Thanks fatness I understand what Eraser will do but was hoping the OP would visit the site and read up on all of its capabilities and how to use it.

There are a whole slew of programs available to eliminate data but one needs to visit the home site to read up on each and make a decision as to what will work best for them.

Dban is IMO the optimal choice here but it is up to the OP to make that choice.

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"When the questions get tough the tough pull a MuMu". - unknown]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20455626 Fri, 09 May 2008 09:01:30 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20455594 dave : You're expecting that it's completely possible to distinguish 'your data' from 'the OS'. That is the difficult part - for example, is there any personal data aboutyou stored in the OS part of the registry? Who knows.

The difficultly of making sure you get everything is why we're all saying 'wipe the entire disk and reinstall'.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20455594 Fri, 09 May 2008 08:53:01 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20455553 fatness : Eraser will overwrite blank disk space but to the best of my knowledge will not eliminate records of deleted file names. It may alter them but will not eliminate them. Restoration.exe will also eliminate the file name records of deleted files. I do not have a link to a download page, but it is a free program.
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Female monkeys often utter loud, distinctive calls before, during or after sex..]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20455553 Fri, 09 May 2008 08:43:35 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20455373 Grail Knight :

quote:
Will DBAN or Eraser get rid of my sensitive data without also wiping clean my OS and everything else on my computer?

From the DBAN Home Page

"Darik's Boot and Nuke ("DBAN") is a self-contained boot disk that securely wipes the hard disks of most computers. DBAN will automatically and completely delete the contents of any hard disk that it can detect, which makes it an appropriate utility for bulk or emergency data destruction."
-------------------------------------------------
For Eraser visit the Home Site and read up on it.

»www.heidi.ie/eraser/
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"When the questions get tough the tough pull a MuMu". - unknown]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20455373 Fri, 09 May 2008 07:17:05 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20455359 lordpuffer : Will DBAN or Eraser get rid of my sensitive data without also wiping clean my OS and everything else on my computer? Thanks.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20455359 Fri, 09 May 2008 07:04:26 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20454268 Name Game : Make one of these..

»Re: Recovered Seagate Disk Gives Clues to Columbia Crash

Degaussers used on state hard drives, must have a nominal rating of at least 1700 Oersted.

SUBJECT: Disposition of computer hard drives and the data contained within.
»www.oss-spectrum.org/HD1.htm

Disposition of Computer Hard Drives
Attachment 2
Specifications for Sanitization of Hard Drives
»www.oss-spectrum.org/Attach2.htm
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Gladiator Security Forum »www.gladiator-antivirus.com/
*
A fun/friendly/informative forum for the mature elder crowd
»www.theover50goldengroup.net
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20454268 Thu, 08 May 2008 22:21:15 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20454261 Grail Knight : I had a sneaky suspension that you were doing that but was unsure due to the wording. :)
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"When the questions get tough the tough pull a MuMu". - unknown]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20454261 Thu, 08 May 2008 22:19:17 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20454219 lordpuffer : Just so you know, I do have the original legitimate XP disc....Didn't want to have to say, but am severely disabled and have little money....That's why I just want to sell it as is.....Thanks for all of your advice though.....I think I'll try DBAN.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20454219 Thu, 08 May 2008 22:11:14 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20454088 Greg_Z : He has the software, and drives can be had for under $40 now days for a 40gb.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20454088 Thu, 08 May 2008 21:52:31 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20453997 dave :

said by Greg_Z

:

Buy a new drive, and install a Fresh copy of XP on it. No fuss, no worries.

Uh, he doesn't want to spend money on software, so he probably doesn't want to spend money on hardware either.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20453997 Thu, 08 May 2008 21:34:27 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20453987 Greg_Z : Buy a new drive, and install a Fresh copy of XP on it. No fuss, no worries.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20453987 Thu, 08 May 2008 21:31:52 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20453953 Its a Secret : GK, wasn't arguing, just restating your thoughts... Cheers!
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A triple espresso, please...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20453953 Thu, 08 May 2008 21:24:16 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20453884 Grail Knight : As I also stated to use dban to do the job correctly. ;)

quote:
Me,
This solution is not advisable as you could leave something behind that you do not want others to see.

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"When the questions get tough the tough pull a MuMu". - unknown]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20453884 Thu, 08 May 2008 21:07:37 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20453867 Its a Secret : True, Eraser will do the job, but all those reg entries will still be there for anyone to see. DBAN it for safety.
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A triple espresso, please...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20453867 Thu, 08 May 2008 21:04:00 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20453854 Grail Knight : If you just want to erase data securely then use Eraser set at 3 or 7 passes with clearing of free space.

After that you would also for good measure want to wipe the entire free space of the hard drive. [b.]This solution is not advisable as you could leave something behind that you do not want others to see.

A full hard drive wipe using dban and reinstall of the OS is the safe method.

I am not going to guess as to why you do not want to take the safe course of action but you really should seriously consider it.

Edit* Fixed bolding.
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"When the questions get tough the tough pull a MuMu". - unknown]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20453854 Thu, 08 May 2008 21:01:35 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20453786 Mele20 :

said by dave

:

Why don't you want to do that? It's both easier and safer.

I'm wondering if possibly he doesn't have the install disk and can't reinstall as I agree it makes no sense for him to be so obstinate about it.
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"The same ferocity that our founders devoted to protect the freedom and independence of the press is now appropriate for our defense of the freedom of the internet. The stakes are the same: the survival of our Republic". Al Gore, The Assault on Reason]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20453786 Thu, 08 May 2008 20:43:44 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20453739 dave : The 'best' way is to find every piece of secret data and overwrite it, in all the places it might have been, making sure you don't miss anything.

That, of course, is far too difficult, which is why we all say: wipe and reinstall.

Why don't you want to do that? It's both easier and safer.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20453739 Thu, 08 May 2008 20:28:50 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20453617 Its a Secret :

said by lordpuffer

:

I want to sell it as it is. Knowing this, what is still the best way to try to erase as much possible hidden data, such as SS#, credit card numbers, passwords, etc., preferably using free software (times are tough).

As mentioned numerous times, DBAN. Otherwise, you'll never be sure.

BTW, unless you plan on giving away your license key after you install a fresh copy of XP, a little number called Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder will be able to get your key from the registry for the new owner. Then you'll have to prove to MS you're the owner.

(edited for content)
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A triple espresso, please...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20453617 Thu, 08 May 2008 19:57:44 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20453580 lordpuffer : Thanks for all of your advice.....I have decided not to wipe the hard drive (I know I am taking a risk), and not to replace the hard drive. I want to sell it as it is. Knowing this, what is still the best way to try to erase as much possible hidden data, such as SS#, credit card numbers, passwords, etc., preferably using free software (times are tough).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20453580 Thu, 08 May 2008 19:48:25 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20427216 Mele20 :

said by dave

:

Yes, but you only need a single overwrite to protect against anyone who does not have sophisticated equipment to examine magnetic residuals. All the rest is FUD. I say there are no credible cases documented of anyone using software to recover data after a single complete overwrite.

I realize that. I was just providing information not saying it necessarily needed to be used. I used the US DoD three passes one from Acronis Drive Cleanser and was lucky to be able to do that much. The CPU fan started making a terrible racket just as I was getting ready to start the wipe. I turned off the machine and examined the fan. Blades were clean, I could see nothing wrong so I restarted the machine and started the wipe. I was going running while it wiped but decided I'd better stay with the machine ....didn't want to come home to a fire or something. The fan racket got louder and louder during the about 3 hour wipe. Just as it finished the fan made one last explosive noise and stopped running. I had banking information on that drive and the computer was going to Dell who would obviously refurbish and sell it. Dell had told me earlier that they would wipe the drive and that I didn't need to...hmpf. I didn't think that was wise. I'm just glad it finished the wipe before the fan quit.
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"The same ferocity that our founders devoted to protect the freedom and independence of the press is now appropriate for our defense of the freedom of the internet. The stakes are the same: the survival of our Republic". Al Gore, The Assault on Reason]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20427216 Sat, 03 May 2008 18:29:30 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20425423 PeteC2 :

said by angussf

said by PeteC2

:

I am for wipe and reinstall, all the way down to fdisk'ing it. Fdisk, reformat, clean install of the OS.

No argument there, you are right, of course. I guess it comes down to how much effort you are willing to go to versus what you are trying to wipe out!

I have had systems come and go for many years now, and I never had a moment's concern that anyone was going to work hard enough to try and uncover anything on a freshly-installed OS...but then again, I really don't have much stuff that is that critical anyway.

I understand that for some this may be more of an issue, and in that case, yes, DBan is not a bad way to go. However, if I was that concerned, then I'd just slap a new hard drive in the box and make it a 100% non-issue.
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...something is happening here but you don't know what it is...do you, Mr. Jones?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20425423 Sat, 03 May 2008 10:51:46 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20425389 dave :

said by Snakeoil

:

I was watching a show where this person had purchased a few used hard drives. He was able to recover data on a few of them, saying that people/companies seldom manage to clean the hard drive fully.

That's because people just reformat; but a single overwrite will 'clean' the disk 'fully'.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20425389 Sat, 03 May 2008 10:38:36 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20425385 dave : Yes, but you only need a single overwrite to protect against anyone who does not have sophisticated equipment to examine magnetic residuals. All the rest is FUD. I say there are no credible cases documented of anyone using software to recover data after a single complete overwrite.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20425385 Sat, 03 May 2008 10:37:16 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20424930 KachiWachi :

said by lordpuffer

:

I want the person who buys it to have a fully loaded, working system.

Please remember that if you sell the machine with the OS loaded, you need to transfer the license as well.

Thanks.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20424930 Sat, 03 May 2008 07:27:09 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20424827 Snakeoil : to be positive that it is clean:
I'd buy a new hard drive and replace the old one. Then just install the OS.

I was watching a show where this person had purchased a few used hard drives. He was able to recover data on a few of them, saying that people/companies seldom manage to clean the hard drive fully.
--
Say no to the IRS.. Yes to the Fair Tax! This beer is for: 464th bat. 98th div. Combat engineers. Hillside Ave schenectady NY.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20424827 Sat, 03 May 2008 05:19:21 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20424815 Mele20 :

said by Robrr

:

go find a copy of Acronis Drive Cleanser, it has a US DoD spec drive cleaning algorithim. No one is getting the data back after :)

That is the weakest algorithim Acronis Drive Cleanser has. It has many others also that are much stronger. The OP could get a trial of it. I used it before returning my previous Dell that failed under warranty. But Dban is fine too as is the utility from the hard drive manufacturer. I recently bought a second hard drive and it is Seagate. I was impressed by their wiping utility.
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"The same ferocity that our founders devoted to protect the freedom and independence of the press is now appropriate for our defense of the freedom of the internet. The stakes are the same: the survival of our Republic". Al Gore, The Assault on Reason]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20424815 Sat, 03 May 2008 04:54:11 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20424414 noping : I'm surprised that nobody's mentioned HDDerase.exe yet. It's faster and (supposedly) more secure than DBAN.

If I were buying a used desktop (I wouldn't), I'd prefer a blank system along with the installation media...
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$ sudo rm -rf /]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20424414 Sat, 03 May 2008 00:45:52 EDT [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20424247 DOH08 : One word: DBAN :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20424247 Fri, 02 May 2008 23:59:53 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20423818 Sinbad Sam : I have found the magnets that come with implanted cardiac pacemakers work extremely well, about a day paper clips will stick to the drive housing, a week and the drive will stick to vertical surface and stay. Basically it becomes a large magnet. Data Recovery not possible even by the Puzzle Palace.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20423818 Fri, 02 May 2008 22:16:54 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20423769 Its a Secret : Personally, I'm for the DBAN mode of cleansing. Besides, even if you do a clean install of the OS, are you going to 'give' them your product key as well for the OS? If not, wipe and give 'em a shiny 'new' drive.
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A triple espresso, please...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20423769 Fri, 02 May 2008 22:04:54 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20423756 clickwir :

said by Oleg

:

Most people are not good at data recovery.

Most people aren't good at breaking into cars and stealing car stereos either... but it happens all the time.

I suggest DBAN, wipe everything then reinstall. Or just DBAN and let them worry about reinstalling.

If you are even the slight bit worried about what's on there and you would rather just make sure some things are cleaned up and deleted before giving the pc to someone.... wipe it and reload it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20423756 Fri, 02 May 2008 22:00:01 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20423142 Feets :

said by dave

said by BinaryXtreme

:

take the hard drive out and destroy it. hard drives are cheap and better to fork out the extra dollars than deal with information leak. When you wipe and reinstall, there are still pointers on the disc that exist that can be accessed.

I meant, like where are these 'pointers' ?

And what do they point to? ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20423142 Fri, 02 May 2008 19:40:36 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20423057 dave :

said by BinaryXtreme

I meant, like where are these 'pointers' ? ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20423057 Fri, 02 May 2008 19:19:26 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20423014 hottboiinnc : a trash compactor!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20423014 Fri, 02 May 2008 19:12:40 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20422927 james1 :

said by lordpuffer

:

Without spending any money for software, what is the best way to make sure that all of this data is gone when I sell it? Thanks.

The only way to make SURE of what you want to do is to listen to what these people are saying and wipe your drive and do a fresh install.

Besides that, the LAST thing I would want when buying a computer is a bunch of programs loaded on it. Especially considering I dont know what kind of trojans, viruses, or monitoring software you might have put on there. Just wipe and do a fresh install. How many times do people here need to say it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20422927 Fri, 02 May 2008 18:55:36 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20422874 Robrr : go find a copy of Acronis Drive Cleanser, it has a US DoD spec drive cleaning algorithim. No one is getting the data back after :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20422874 Fri, 02 May 2008 18:42:42 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20422575 IGGY : Some older threads that may be worth a look.

»Hard Drive Wipe Utilities

»Re: Freeware for wiping hard drives?
--
Test PC Security
Cable Diagnostics
Blog
ZoneAlarm Help Vista x64 Comcast BroadVox Direct]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20422575 Fri, 02 May 2008 17:25:29 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20422525 La Luna :

said by BinaryXtreme

:

take the hard drive out and destroy it....

Or he could keep it to use himself, why destroy it as long as he is the one who has it?

edit: grammar]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20422525 Fri, 02 May 2008 17:17:42 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20422435 Sweet Witch : I agree with haroldo

, just put in a new drive and keep yours. it's the only way to be 100% sure. Yeah, it's a big more work, but sometimes it's easier than trying to pick through and get every little bit.
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"While you can teach an old dog new tricks, you simply can't teach him to be a cat."]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20422435 Fri, 02 May 2008 17:02:21 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20422418 MetroT1 : Forgot a couple of steps:

Don't forget to clear all your email accounts and email out of your email client if you use one.

Don't forget to delete all network profiles out of your wireless connection if you have one.

Don't forget to delete all bookmarks, etc. out of your internet browser.

Don't forget to delete your documents folders.

Do all this first before you do all the registry cleaning, etc.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20422418 Fri, 02 May 2008 17:00:41 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20422347 MetroT1 : Here is what *I* did when I had to sell a computer and it appeared to work pretty good:

1. Turn off Automatic System Restore so that restore points will be deleted.

2. Using Add/Remove Programs, remove any programs that you don't want on the computer.

3. Download a free registry cleaner and cyberscrub (30 day trial download)

4. Clean the Registry with the registry cleaner

5. Use Cyberscrub to delete all of your internet history and previously deleted files beyond recovery. ***Be sure to set the security level to 3+7+3 beyond DOD standards.

6. Clean the registry again.

7. After doing this, go back and tell cyberscrub to wipe the empty portions of the disk being sure to include slack space and to scramble file properties. **Change the security level to Gutmann** This security level is 35 passes of random generated data. It will take a long time but is supposed to stop all forms of recovery.

The last step took me over 12 hours on an 80 gig drive running a P4M 1.6 machine.

This should pretty well wipe any unwanted data off the drive. Most of these steps were told to me by a forensic computer investigator for a state law enforcement agency. I added some extra steps just to be sure.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20422347 Fri, 02 May 2008 16:47:45 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20422107 dave :

said by BinaryXtreme

Like where? ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20422107 Fri, 02 May 2008 15:56:35 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20422002 rawwhide :

said by Mele20

:

Wipe it clean and then reinstall Windows for them.

Use Dban (free) to wipe it or use the utility from your hard drive manufacturer (also free).

»dban.sourceforge.net/

--
TinFoilers UFO Union of America!!
TinFoilers UFO Union Local 101...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20422002 Fri, 02 May 2008 15:35:41 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20421991 BinaryXtreme : take the hard drive out and destroy it. hard drives are cheap and better to fork out the extra dollars than deal with information leak. When you wipe and reinstall, there are still pointers on the disc that exist that can be accessed. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20421991 Fri, 02 May 2008 15:33:00 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20421884 haroldo : Buy a $50 Hard Drive
Pop your Drive out
Install the new one
Install the OS

100% guaranteed!

There are data recovery services that recreate the hard drives form laptops that were burned and melted.

better safe than sorry]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20421884 Fri, 02 May 2008 15:12:45 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20421742 Oleg : Most people are not good at data recovery.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20421742 Fri, 02 May 2008 14:46:00 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20421722 OneHeart : 1. Nuke it.
2. Reinstall OS.

New owner can install what he/she wants afterwards.
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OneHeart ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20421722 Fri, 02 May 2008 14:40:47 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20421530 dave :

said by izy

:

You can use windows cipher utility to overwrite the deleted information.

Yes, if it's on the file system's free space list.

But if it's just sitting around in some database, logically disconnected but still part of some file, then it's not going to get overwritten.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20421530 Fri, 02 May 2008 13:54:45 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20421048 therube : Note this warning on cipher in context to Win2K.

quote:
You must install Cipher.exe by using the installer package instead of copying the new version of Cipher.exe to your computer. The tool relies on additional NTFS functionality that is added as part of the installation process. If you only copy the Cipher.exe file to your computer and then run it, you could destroy data on the drive.

»support.microsoft.com/kb/298009/en-us

Cipher is included in XP Pro, but not in XP Home.

Does that mean that you can safely copy a XP Pro version & run it on XP Home? Don't know? Perhaps not. Because XP Home also does not support EFS.

Sysinternals SDelete may provide similar functionality & doesn't seem encumbered like cipher may be.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20421048 Fri, 02 May 2008 12:16:02 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20420929 Stevert :

said by lordpuffer

:

Without spending any money for software, what is the best way to make sure that all of this data is gone when I sell it?

As others have stated, wiping the drive and doing a clean install of the OS is the only secure solution.

If you don't have the restore/install/whatever disks, write down the actual license key (there is freeware to retrieve that key, also) before you wipe the drive.

Then find someone who has the install disk for the same version of XP that you have and use those disks with your license key. For example, if it's a retail version, borrow a retail install CD. If it's am OEM version, borrow an OEM CD, etc.
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20420929 Fri, 02 May 2008 11:52:36 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20420599 Jeffrey :

said by lordpuffer

:

Hi....I am selling my desktop and before I do, I want to get rid of all of the sensitive, private data that may be in it such as credit card numbers, passwords, etc. I do not want to wipe my hard drive clean. I want the person who buys it to have a fully loaded, working system. Without spending any money for software, what is the best way to make sure that all of this data is gone when I sell it? Thanks.

I know you don't want to wipe it clean, but the only way to be sure is to follow some of the suggestions below.

Boot and Nuke, reinstall Windows and all security updates and throw on either AVG or AVAST!.

Make sure you have your recovery/Windows discs.
--
And so castles made of sand, slip into the sea, eventually.

I'm the Dude. So that's what you call me. You know, that or, uh, His Dudeness, or uh, Duder, or El Duderino if you're not into the whole brevity thing.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20420599 Fri, 02 May 2008 10:48:04 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20420362 angussf :

said by PeteC2

:

I am for wipe and reinstall, all the way down to fdisk'ing it. Fdisk, reformat, clean install of the OS.

FDisk and reformat doesn't overwrite the drive with random data, and it's not that difficult to recover data from the formatted area -- there are many free tools out there for doing just that. DBan (referenced above) does]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20420362 Fri, 02 May 2008 09:59:25 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20420335 PeteC2 : I am for wipe and reinstall, all the way down to fdisk'ing it. Fdisk, reformat, clean install of the OS.
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...something is happening here but you don't know what it is...do you, Mr. Jones?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20420335 Fri, 02 May 2008 09:50:16 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20420237 dave : Wipe and reinstall - it's the only way to be sure you get everything.

Not only that, but the buyer gets the benefit of a system that's free of the accumulations of the years. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20420237 Fri, 02 May 2008 09:28:02 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20420217 Kilroy : Darik's Boot and Nuke and a reload is the only way to be sure.

You don't mention what the machine is. If it is a manufactured machine you should have restore disks. Boot and Nuke and then use the restore disks to reinstall the machine to its out of the box configuration.

If you built the machine you should have the Windows install disk and CD key.

The main thing is you need to decide what is more important, the security of your personal data or giving a working machine to someone else.

You can also try using Eraser to wipe the hard disk areas where you have deleted files, to make those files unrecoverable.

If you're going that route and are sure you have your data create a new user account with Admin priveledges. Sign in with the new accout. Delete all other profiles and then run Eraser.
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How hard does DRM have to bite before business abandon it?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20420217 Fri, 02 May 2008 09:22:54 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20419966 louist : Problem is that you may have data stored in various places that you want to eliminate.

One idea: First create a NEW user account. Give it "Administrator" permissions.

Now BEFORE you delete anything, migrate any personal data you want to keep to a data store off the machine (anywhere off that machine you want to store it).

Log on using the NEW user account. Go to Control Panel/User Accounts and delete old user accounts.

Go to C:\documents and settings\(name of your old user account(S)) Delete that entire folder(s) if it is still there.

Go to anywhere else you may have purposely stored data and delete it.

You can also then try searching for typical file extensions and delete all files you may have created that are still there ( examples: .pst;.doc; .xls; .pab; .temp; .tmp).

Make sure you remember to delete your history, cookies and Temporary Internet folders.

A suggestion. When all this is done., Try downloading "CCLEANER" ( free) and running both a cleanup and a registry check. Let it clean up anything it finds.

That should get rid of the majority of personal data you have on that machine. PS: also consider looking at any programs you have , check their file storage locations and check for any personal files stored in those locations.

Remember this will ONLY get rid of MOST of the personal files. If you had anything very confidential on that machine, be extra careful (unless you are giving it to a trusted friend or family member and are not that concerned if someone stumbles on to a file you left over)

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regards,

Lou]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20419966 Fri, 02 May 2008 07:54:36 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20419948 izy : You can use windows cipher utility to overwrite the deleted information.

»support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/315672]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20419948 Fri, 02 May 2008 07:46:42 EDT Re: [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20419944 Mele20 : Wipe it clean and then reinstall Windows for them.

Use Dban (free) to wipe it or use the utility from your hard drive manufacturer (also free).

»dban.sourceforge.net/]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20419944 Fri, 02 May 2008 07:46:13 EDT [XP Home] Selling Computer....Best Way To Get Rid Of Data http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20419916 lordpuffer : Hi....I am selling my desktop and before I do, I want to get rid of all of the sensitive, private data that may be in it such as credit card numbers, passwords, etc. I do not want to wipe my hard drive clean. I want the person who buys it to have a fully loaded, working system. Without spending any money for software, what is the best way to make sure that all of this data is gone when I sell it? Thanks.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20419916 Fri, 02 May 2008 07:30:46 EDT