need to return computer... how do I clear it for security purposes

[chrismartinique]

I removed my email account and all the mail.
I deleted all browing history/cookies.
I removed the programs I installed (only itunes, skype, quickbooks).

I really didn't have this computer very long or use it a lot, so I don't have a lot of info on it, but that bookkeeping program and my skype info makes me nervous. I have a nagging voice that someone can bring that back somehow.

so how do I restore it to new without getting in way over my head?

 

[bicker]

I've used a commercial program, in the past, to address this need:

BCWipe Total WipeOut

 

[chrismartinique]

Just adding on... I don't want to wipe out windows as I don't want to reinstall that program

 

[FlightlessDuck]

Try Sdelete, a free program from Microsoft (originally from SysInternals).

It is used to permanently delete files and totally remove deleted files from your harddrive.

When you "delete" a file, what actually happens is the locations at which a file is located are marked as being able to be reused by the operating system. When a file is deleted, it isn't actually removed from the hard drive.

Sdelete will overwrite the areas on the disc where the file is located with random encrypted data. The basic algorithm has been approved for use by the US Department of Defense.

Using this on specific files (or on the entire hard drive to clean "free space") will cause you to not be able to recover those files later with commercial file recover programs.

It is a command line program (run from the command line).

 

[golfgal]

Just adding on... I don't want to wipe out windows as I don't want to reinstall that program

Just deleting things won't wipe your computer, you DO need to totally wipe it or any 10 year old with an interest in computers will find your old data. It will include a total wipe of Windows.

 

[chrismartinique]

Just deleting things won't wipe your computer, you DO need to totally wipe it or any 10 year old with an interest in computers will find your old data. It will include a total wipe of Windows.

I cannot do this... I got the computer with windows installed... no actually CD. I did make back up recovery disk before I ever used the computer, but I have no idea if this will actually reinstall windows...

 

[jsmith]

Sdelete will overwrite the areas on the disc where the file is located with random encrypted data. The basic algorithm has been approved for use by the US Department of Defense.

this is as good as data destruction gets-however you do risk damaging the installation of windows. A "complete wipe" of windows does not completely destory data-in fact the DOD considers it impossible to completely destroy data-however recover of if after running one of these programs requires extremely sophisticated technology.

 

[bicker]

It is still better to totally wipe the hard drive to protect personal information, even if it means you need to buy a license for an operating system to put on it after the hard drive is wiped.

 

[chrismartinique]

if you were returning a computer to Amazon, what would you do to secure you info? I don't know what they will do with the computer.. will they trash it? Will they try to refurb?

 

[bicker]

They'll either refurb it or sell it for parts. Either way, your personal information is at risk. I would wipe the drive using the software I mentioned earlier.

 

[chrismartinique]

They'll either refurb it or sell it for parts. Either way, your personal information is at risk. I would wipe the drive using the software I mentioned earlier.

sorry to keep asking, but.... the software you noted.... what is the risk of my info to that link if I use it to clean the drive. will my info get uploaded anywhere or will they trace anything

 

[bicker]

BCWipe writes over your data seven times (I think) with random garbage. That makes it exceedingly difficult to dig down deep enough to uncover the data that was underneath those seven layers.

However, there are no guarantees. If you really need to be sure, then remove the hard drive and destroy it with a sledge hammer. Replacement hard drives are relatively cheap, unless it is a super-large one or solid-state.

 

[chrismartinique]

BCWipe writes over your data seven times (I think) with random garbage. That makes it exceedingly difficult to dig down deep enough to uncover the data that was underneath those seven layers.

However, there are no guarantees. If you really need to be sure, then remove the hard drive and destroy it with a sledge hammer. Replacement hard drives are relatively cheap, unless it is a super-large one or solid-state.

one more question...
I have been reading and searching.... I found on my computer a Toshiba Recovery Wizard. It gave me the big red letter warning that this will restore your computer to "out of the box state". All data etc will be removed.
Would you consider this a safe situation to return the computer?

Thank you, Bicker. You have been helpful. You have given me lots of info.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

BCWipe writes over your data seven times (I think) with random garbage. That makes it exceedingly difficult to dig down deep enough to uncover the data that was underneath those seven layers.

With Sdelete you can do the same thing, only sdelete is from Microsoft and is free.

 

[PrincessRosetta]

hi, how do i change my password? i have a temporary one right now..

 

[MICKEY88]

http://www.iolo.com/ds/3/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=drive-scrubber-us-search&utm_term=drive%20scrubber&utm_content=drive-scrubber-us-search-drivescrubber-003&gclid=CJeA15mm4KcCFUVqKgodjFfO9Q

or

http://www.whitecanyon.com/wipedrive-erase-hard-drive-system-saver.php

 

[bicker]

one more question...
I have been reading and searching.... I found on my computer a Toshiba Recovery Wizard. It gave me the big red letter warning that this will restore your computer to "out of the box state". All data etc will be removed.
Would you consider this a safe situation to return the computer?

Sorry, but no.

Thank you, Bicker. You have been helpful. You have given me lots of info.

Glad to help.

With Sdelete you can do the same thing, only sdelete is from Microsoft and is free.

Great to know, thanks. I haven't had to do this for a while, so I was unaware that Microsoft has stepped up yet again to provide for free what others charge for.