How to delete personal data
If you are selling your computer or giving it away. Here is some options you can do about the personal data on the computer.
Option 1
Keep the hard drive and either put a hard drive in it or let the new owner put a hard drive in it.
ADVANTAGE
- Personal files are secure.
- You can use the drive as a back up drive.
- You can insert the drive into the computer and use it as a secondary hard drive
- You can put the drive in a portable drive cage and use the drive as a portable drive
DISADVANTAGE
- If you are selling the system, you may have to buy another drive to put in the system. This will mean less profit from the sale.
- Time and effort to take the old drive out and install the new one.
Option 2
Formatting and re-installing the drive.
ADVANTAGE
- The hard drive will have a fresh copy of windows.
- Spyware, viruses will be gone off the system.
- Your personal data will be erased off the system
DISADVANTAGE
- This procedure takes time to complete
- There is ways to get deleted information off a hard drive so formatting and reinstalling a hard drive is not 100% secure. The chances of the new owner doing this is probably slim. Most people don't have the equipment, the know how, or the desire, but the risk is still present.
Option 3
Deleting the profile (for windows XP and Vista)
ADVANTAGES
- Deletes all personal data that is located under the profile.
- Gets rid of history, cookies and anything else under the profile.
DISADVANTAGE
- Will not get rid of personal data that was saved outside of profile.
Click here for instructions on deleting the profile