[AlieGS]

Hi! I have two desktop computers which I would like to sell, if possible.
One is running Windows XP and the other is running Windows 2000.
They are both working fine. I just have too many pc's and want to get rid of these two if I can.

I was wondering if I could get some input on the best way to get these ready for that, as far as wiping them clean of files, etc.

I've been researching this but there are so many differing opinions and everything I've read gives me the impression that even with a complete restore there is really no way to make the pc completely secure...as far as there not being a way for someone to access my old files.

I'd really appreciate any thoughts, ideas, experiences or suggestions regarding this.

Thanks.

[stecks]

I'd say if you still have the OS CD's for both of those OS's just wipe them back to a new point. And don't use a specific name or anything (something like .....) as name or anything. Either check out local comp stores to see if they'll buy the systems (call an find out and find out a price) or even post in local paper. I personally have a comp store that will take an old PC and revamp it to the old settings along with a ad site and paper to sell to.

[valis]

if you want to sell them without the operating system, which is what I would assume you would want to do, as have (or should have) the os disks, you can use a free app called dban, for Derek's Boot and Nuke, which will irrevocably wipe all data from the disk. They can still recover it, but it will cost a pile.

If you are giving them the os along with the computer, just reformat using the install disks (basically reinstalling the operating system) and make sure to delete any and all partitions; this will remove all reference to any data from any file table, even though the data will still, technically, be there. Again, they would be able to get at it, but it would still cost a bundle.

dban is a free app, and it's pretty secure. My company uses it for all pc's we donate, so they've done their research on it and are satisfied that shy of shredding the drive, this is the next best thing. It WILL blow out the operating system, though.

v

[JohnWill]

I doubt anyone's going to recover data after the DOD erase using DBAN. While some data recovery "might" be possible, it would be prohibitively expensive for anything but major national security secrets.

[valis]

maybe I should've quantified 'pile'.

[Masamune]

Originally Posted by valis

if you want to sell them without the operating system, which is what I would assume you would want to do, as have (or should have) the os disks, you can use a free app called dban, for Derek's Boot and Nuke, which will irrevocably wipe all data from the disk. They can still recover it, but it will cost a pile.

dban is a free app, and it's pretty secure. My company uses it for all pc's we donate, so they've done their research on it and are satisfied that shy of shredding the drive, this is the next best thing. It WILL blow out the operating system, though.

v

Everything this guy said, I'll second. Dban, FTW.

[LitomoSilver]

Or what about Disk Wiper?

I have a free copy of it thanks to Maximum PC....in my opinion, it's just as secure as DBAN.

If you wanna keep the OSes that were installed on 'em, I suggest you install Ubuntu in place of the ones you want to keep.

[JohnWill]

I know about DBAN, don't know about DiskWiper. You're free to have your opinion, but since we have no specifications for this software, it doesn't seem to be a logical choice. If you're talking about the Paragon DiskWiper, it's not a free product, so that seems not to be a realistic alternative to a fully functional free product.

As far as installing Ubunti Linux on the machines, who are you kidding? While you may not like Windows, a vast majority of the public would have no idea what to do with Linux, and no desire to learn. You have to remain grounded in the real world here.

[Lost in Here]

Google: "DoD wipe" free

[Wino]

Originally Posted by JohnWill

...............................As far as installing Ubunti Linux on the machines, who are you kidding? While you may not like Windows, a vast majority of the public would have no idea what to do with Linux, and no desire to learn. You have to remain grounded in the real world here.

With all due respect, you make it sound like the majority of Windows user have knowledge of what makes it tick vs Ubuntu/Linux. If the average user can do the basics, web, email, word processing, music, etc. they could care less whose O.S. is on the machine, nor in most cases resolve any problems with either without help.

When I refurb a machine if it has an O.E.M. OS (98, ME or whatever) disk, that's the way it goes out. If no O.S., I install Ubuntu..........in either case it is a free machine to whom ever. If they want 98/ME/XP, they pay $100...........so far, no takers. I've had no unhappy Ubuntu recipients nor any that couldn't navigate their way through it's GUI............a very small learning curve for a Windows user and not much more for a noobie (same for Windows or Ubuntu).

[JohnWill]

Sorry Wino, but I'm not buying.

If you want to debate the merits of Linux vs. Windows, I'll suggest a post in Civil Debate, since that's really a religious argument, not a technical one.

The plain fact is, if you go to sell a system to a neophyte user and tell them they'll just have to learn Linux, it's not going to fly. You can argue the point until you're blue in the face, and that fact isn't going to change. I'm not even saying it's right, I'm just saying that's the way it is.

[Wino]

Originally Posted by JohnWill

Sorry Wino, but I'm not buying.

If you want to debate the merits of Linux vs. Windows, I'll suggest a post in Civil Debate, since that's really a religious argument, not a technical one.

The plain fact is, if you go to sell a system to a neophyte user and tell them they'll just have to learn Linux, it's not going to fly. You can argue the point until you're blue in the face, and that fact isn't going to change. I'm not even saying it's right, I'm just saying that's the way it is.

I'm not trying to sell, argue or debate you. Just stating my experience. We don't agree, no big deal, end of subject.

[LitomoSilver]

In fact, I am talking about Paragon DiskWiper...I managed to get a free copy of it thanks to Max. PC Magazine.

It's a good product, at least, insofar that I've used it.

I dunno if the trial is good...but meh.

What about the one that looks similar to XP? (Can't remember the distro's name.)

I would think that'd be the best ones for those who're too used to XP and such.

[tjb]

Originally Posted by LitomoSilver

In fact, I am talking about Paragon DiskWiper...I managed to get a free copy of it thanks to Max. PC Magazine.

It's a good product, at least, insofar that I've used it.

I dunno if the trial is good...but meh.

What about the one that looks similar to XP? (Can't remember the distro's name.)

I would think that'd be the best ones for those who're too used to XP and such.

This one? Linux Xp

[LitomoSilver]

Indeed....it looks eerily exactly like XP...I wouldn't be surprised if MS sues them for using their look.