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.
For instructions on performing this, click here.
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