There's no such thing as a stupid question, but they're the easiest to answer.
JoinTour
Login
Search
Tech Tips & Tricks
Tag Cloud
access acer asus bios bsod computer crash dns driver drivers error ethernet excel freeze gaming google hard drive hardware hdmi internet laptop mac malware memory monitor motherboard mouse network printer problem ram registry router server slow software sound svchost.exe trojan usb video virus vista wifi windows windows 7 windows 7 32 bit windows 7 64 bit windows xp wireless
Search
Search for:
Tech Support Guy Forums > General Technology > Tech Tips & Tricks >
Reformatting Hard drives

Reply  
Thread Tools
crudekick's Avatar
Junior Member with 1 posts.
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Experience: Beginner
10-Nov-2007, 04:15 AM #1
Reformatting Hard drives
I wish to give my old computer away but wish to ensure that none of the information on hard drive can be accessed. Can you tell me how do do this . I can not find any boot disk either.
Elvandil's Avatar
Computer Specs
Moderator with 48,924 posts.
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Vermont
Experience: "Been through the mill."
10-Nov-2007, 04:19 AM #2
ICONIC's Avatar
Computer Specs
Senior Member with 258 posts.
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Experience: Intermediate
13-Nov-2007, 09:10 AM #3
Ya formating would be ur best bet, although people would still be able to access the information if they know what there doing with a computer.

nothings really ever permantly deleted
JohnWill's Avatar
Computer Specs
Distinguished Member with 110,212 posts.
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: South Eastern PA, USA
Experience: Advanced age & experience
13-Nov-2007, 11:19 AM #4
Sorry ICONIC, but you don't know what you're talking about. Since most of these programs do a DOD certified erase, I think the data is sufficiently "gone" to confound anyone but a three letter government agency.
Elvandil's Avatar
Computer Specs
Moderator with 48,924 posts.
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Vermont
Experience: "Been through the mill."
13-Nov-2007, 12:21 PM #5
I even suspect some three letter agencies promulgate myths to discourage people from trying. That way, they get the data intact .
JohnWill's Avatar
Computer Specs
Distinguished Member with 110,212 posts.
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: South Eastern PA, USA
Experience: Advanced age & experience
13-Nov-2007, 08:54 PM #6
I think you're right, but I chose to err on the conservative side.
ICONIC's Avatar
Computer Specs
Senior Member with 258 posts.
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Experience: Intermediate
13-Nov-2007, 08:57 PM #7
i didn't say anything about thirdparty programs,
PK-her0's Avatar
Senior Member with 985 posts.
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Experience: Intermediate
14-Nov-2007, 07:43 AM #8
exactly!!! read before you flame somebody you fool!!!
iconic was talking about format...not a 3rd party app!!!
and he is right!!!
guys like you ruin great sites like this!!!
vamos
~Candy~'s Avatar
Former Administrator with 104,742 posts.
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Experience: Advanced
14-Nov-2007, 10:50 AM #9
And calling someone a fool ISN'T FLAMING?

I'd suggest that you cool it PK
Miercaky's Avatar
Member with 280 posts.
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Experience: Intermediate
14-Nov-2007, 11:15 AM #10
Elvandil, I too have an old computer that's about one step up from an etcha sketch and would like the hdd info wiped clean. There are lots of choices here to wipe out old hdd info. Which one/s do you suggest to use ? Also to wipe out hdd info on your old computer, would burn these program/s on a cd/dvd to run in your old comp.? How would you do it?

Thanks

Darik's Boot and Nuke
Eraser
Terabyte CopyWipe (copy or wipe a drive)
Active@ Killdisk (Free version makes only one pass)
No File Recovery
Elvandil's Avatar
Computer Specs
Moderator with 48,924 posts.
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Vermont
Experience: "Been through the mill."
14-Nov-2007, 12:32 PM #11
Quote:
Originally Posted by ICONIC
i didn't say anything about thirdparty programs,
You are the only one that said anything at all about thrid-party programs. What are you referring to?

Darik's will wipe the drive clean enough for government work .
ICONIC's Avatar
Computer Specs
Senior Member with 258 posts.
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Experience: Intermediate
14-Nov-2007, 12:37 PM #12
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnWill
Sorry ICONIC, but you don't know what you're talking about. Since most of these programs do a DOD certified erase, I think the data is sufficiently "gone" to confound anyone but a three letter government agency.
what are you on, this guy said i was wrong when i wasn't and he started talking about THIRD PARTY PROGRAMS, which i never referred to.
Elvandil's Avatar
Computer Specs
Moderator with 48,924 posts.
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Vermont
Experience: "Been through the mill."
14-Nov-2007, 12:46 PM #13
Where do you see that? I think you are hallucinating.
ICONIC's Avatar
Computer Specs
Senior Member with 258 posts.
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Experience: Intermediate
14-Nov-2007, 12:49 PM #14
4th post on this form, stop smoking crack
Elvandil's Avatar
Computer Specs
Moderator with 48,924 posts.
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Vermont
Experience: "Been through the mill."
14-Nov-2007, 12:58 PM #15
Don't see it. Can the quote the place?
Reply

THIS THREAD HAS EXPIRED.
Are you having the same problem? We have volunteers ready to answer your question, but first you'll have to join for free. Need help getting started? Check out our Welcome Guide.

Search Tech Support Guy

Find the solution to your
computer problem!




Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
WELCOME TO TECH SUPPORT GUY! Are you looking for the solution to your computer problem? Join our site today to ask your question -- for free! Our site is run completely by volunteers who want to help you solve your computer problems. See our Welcome Guide to get started.
Thread Tools



Facebook Facebook Twitter Twitter TechGuy.tv TechGuy.tv Mobile TSG Mobile
You Are Using:
Server ID
Advertisements do not imply our endorsement of that product or service.
All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:21 AM.
Copyright © 1996 - 2011 TechGuy, Inc. All rights reserved.

Powered by Cermak Technologies, Inc.