Selling an old computer: What is the best way to get my info off?

[mattmillerrx]

I am saving all the info I need but want to wipe the computer.  The computer is a windows based computer.  I tried to format the drive but it would not let me.

Let me know if you need to know more, thanks for your help.

MGM

[Skunk]

Re-formatting is the way to go Matt. You need to first get control of the computer with DOS and then re-format the hard drive. Then reinstall the Windows operating system over DOS. There may be other ways to do it, but the above is what always has worked for me.

[454PB]

I've used this with good results, and it's free:

http://eraser.heidi.ie/

[Soot]

Re-formatting will only remove the reference to the data and anything not securely overwritten is easily recovered, not a good idea when selling a comp but fine for reloading the OS for your own use. There are many free utilities that have a Department of Defense (DoD), or NATO overwrite to make sure your personal data is gone forever. Try the above post for Eraser, or google search overwrite drive. Depending on the size of the drive, a secure overwrite can take several hours to days, but it's worth it.

[moxgrove]

Be sure you have your driver software also. Otherwise windows won't recognize them.

[mattmillerrx]

driver software?  As in the software that came with the computer?

Thanks for your help guys,  I am holding off on completing this project until I get it figured out

MGM

[45454]

I am saving all the info I need but want to wipe the computer.  The computer is a windows based computer.  I tried to format the drive but it would not let me.

Let me know if you need to know more, thanks for your help.

MGM

Since you are in Windows,no you can't format the c: drive.
If more than one hard drive, then yes you can format the other drive(s).
You could take your computer to a store where they might charge you,to do the wipe.
And then do a re-install of Windows.
Of what skunk said,this method requires the use of a "Startup floppy",with the basic DOS commands on it.
With the advent of Windows,not many people know how to use DOS.
I have both;a floppy,and CD versions that I use semi-regularly.

[mattmillerrx]

What about the eraser website?  Does it require any of these "startup" disk or does it do it all for you and leave windows on there?

[Skunk]

Of what skunk said,this method requires the use of a "Startup floppy",with the basic DOS commands on it. With the advent of Windows,not many people know how to use DOS. I have both;a floppy,and CD versions that I use semi-regularly.

That's true 45454, not many folks might have or use DOS these days. I started on computers back in the days of CP/M, and DOS was just becoming popular. We thought it was simply fantastic when cassette decks could be used as input devices over punch cards and card feeders. I too still have DOS floopy boot disks, but I've upgraded them to CD-ROM.

[S.S.]

Low level format and then Zero fill the drive.
find out what company produced your drive and
visit their website. They may have a utility to do this.

[45454]

Of what skunk said,this method requires the use of a "Startup floppy",with the basic DOS commands on it. With the advent of Windows,not many people know how to use DOS. I have both;a floppy,and CD versions that I use semi-regularly.

That's true 45454, not many folks might have or use DOS these days. I started on computers back in the days of CP/M, and DOS was just becoming popular. We thought it was simply fantastic when cassette decks could be used as input devices over punch cards and card feeders. I too still have DOS floopy boot disks, but I've upgraded them to CD-ROM.

We're showin our age  !
And the Commodore computers ?.....Had a new Commodore C-128.With 2 drives and a cassette.About a year or two later,my cousin bought it. Commodore PET ? My Lord,sure is ancient now.Fun to play with at times.Don't have them anymore.
Osborne CP/M ?
Got an old Osborne Technical  Repair Manual.
Come to think about it,have a Radio Shack TRS80 portable/luggable.The power supply fried a couple years ago.I also kept the Win 95 install disks.All 21 of them.
Got my boot CDs in a round-about way.Sure are valuable for those 'puters that don't have a floppy.

Mattmillerrx,Windows won't allow for the wipe of the C: drive while in Windows.
A startup disk/CD must be used.Once a low level format is performed,then usually,ALL information is lost.
And,that includes the Operating System.If you don't have the re-install disk(s) for this,you're done for.
Which means,no boot,no computer to use.
On most startup disks in DOS,there should be "fdisk.exe" on it.In computers,I'd consider this the most "dangerous" program.But are useful for technicians,especially when a self replicating virus can't be removed.When performed,the hard drive is essentially back to "square one"ie:as if new.
I had one on mine a few years ago.Was a PITA to say the least.
So,had to do a low level format,then do a re-install of the O.S.-Windows.Whatever info was on,it was to be never recovered again.Also,did a "00" on the drive,to make sure nothing can be recovered.(wipe drive)
If you don't feel comfortable to wipe the drive,and do a re-install of the O.S.,take it to a technician.
I have no idea of what a tech would charge.I've been building my own for years.

[mattmillerrx]

This is kind of a learning thing for me.  I don't care if I screw it up, I am not going to sell it for much and may give it to one of my wife younger cousins for school.  Good, thing I have not got around to doing yet.  I keep getting more and more info on how to do.  I think I am ready to give it a go. 

[Spanky]

A 12ga. loaded with 00 buckshot from 10 ft. should erase most of the info.
Resale value might go down a little bit though.



Spanky

[P.A. Myers]

I use a free program called 'file shredder'. A single overwrite is enough. You must overwrite the info or shoot the hard drive.

[mechanic]

Go online to a computer surplus store.  Buy a hard drive for about $20.00.  Swap drives and smash the old one.  Reinstall software.  Done.

[youthpastorjon]

A couple shots from my 45-70 will do the job