Retiring a computer safely
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Files that you need to remove before selling the computer's hard drive.
- E-mail contacts
- E-mail messages
- All documents
- All files in the operating system recycle bin or trash folder
- Internet files
- All non-transferable software (most software is transferable if you have the original disks and product key)
Softwares
Active Kill Disk - Hard Drive Eraser
Disk Cleaner -
the guy who have my ahrd drive will be kicking himself in the arse..
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y?Originally posted by blackchickenahkai:the guy who have my ahrd drive will be kicking himself in the arse.. -
Inside got spyware,virus and porn right?
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Originally posted by DeepSpace:Inside got spyware,virus and porn right?
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If I were to sell my comp, I would have to format my computer altogether, too much bad things inside, lol... Imagine forget to delete some files, then become the next NYP video clip over the net... That time I sent my computer for repair, that bastard repair man search my computer for porn, basket, even look through my files and photos... Still can remember that guy's repair shop is in a small corner in bukit batok market, basket... He thought I computer noob... But I just sent it for repair coz it wasn't worth my time to fix it, rather pay $40.
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why would anybody want to buy a second hand hard disk
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ah cheape DUHOriginally posted by kalangkabo:why would anybody want to buy a second hand hard disk -
nah..lets jsut say not even worth 1 cent for ll the trouble he have to clean up..Originally posted by LancerVII:y?
seriously..i am getting my self lost in all the programms..and there are over dunno how many millions pictures,files,movies..
NO PORN LA!
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personally, i think the risks far outweigh the savings...Originally posted by blackchickenahkai:ah cheape DUH
don't know whether the guy dropped the harddisk before or if the harddisk crashed before...
besides, harddisks nowadays are not THAT expensive, unless you are talking about those super high-end high-capacity ones...
in which case, if I really need those, then I should be prepared to pay that kind of price... -
understood..Originally posted by kalangkabo:personally, i think the risks far outweigh the savings...
don't know whether the guy dropped the harddisk before or if the harddisk crashed before...
besides, harddisks nowadays are not THAT expensive, unless you are talking about those super high-end high-capacity ones...
in which case, if I really need those, then I should be prepared to pay that kind of price...
for a normal pc which only surfs the net cheap cheap also can la.. -
If you have a Mac, you can do a 1-pass format, 7-pass format and the ultimate 35-pass format. That's writing zeros over the harddisk.
The safest is to melt your harddisk. -
Retire that computer more safely
Tips on how to help reduce risks when selling or discarding computer hardware
Published: January 17, 2005 | Updated: October 11, 2005
Picture of a computer ready for donation
If you're ready to replace, sell, or retire your old computer, it's very important to eradicate personal data stored on its hard drive before unplugging it for the last time. You should always remember that even though you manually delete computer files, an identity thief might still be able to recover them, possibly putting you or your family at risk.
Files you should remove before you donate or sell your computer:
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E-mail contacts
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E-mail messages
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All documents
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All files in the operating system recycle bin or trash folder
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Internet files
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All non-transferable software (most software is transferable if you have the original disks and product key)
Options for removing files from your computer:
1.
Remove the files yourself at home using disk-cleaning software. It's not difficult to do, and many cleaning utilities are free. Some currently available are listed below.
2.
Call the computer manufacturer's technical services department and ask how to delete personal files (your computer might need to be under warranty for this service).
3.
Take your hard drive to a local reputable computer supplier to have them safely overwrite your files.
Shared Windows disk-cleaning utilities (free of charge):
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Weberaser Demo
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Active Kill Disk: Hard Drive Eraser
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Disk Cleaner
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Sure Delete
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Others available on Shareware.com
In addition, several commercial disk-cleaning utilities compatible with Windows are listed on the File Deletion page in Windows Marketplace.
Once you've cleaned the personal data from your old computer (and you don't plan to or are unable to sell it), what should you do with it? Consider donating or recycling.
Donate
If your unwanted computer still works, donating it is probably the best way to go, and doing so will help keep toxins such as lead, mercury, and other electronic byproducts out of the environment. Each computer dumped in a landfill is a missed opportunity to provide a computer for others to use through one of the more than 400 nonprofit or school-based refurbishers around the country. In addition, depending on the current market value of your donated computer, you might be able to deduct its value from your taxes (refer to current federal and local tax laws for more information).
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Recycle
If your computer is an older model (five years is typically the maximum for donating), doesn't work, or donating isn't otherwise an option, you can dispose of it responsibly with the help of a qualified recycler near you, such as those found on the Electronics Equipment Recyclers Contact List or the Electronics Recycling Initiative Web site.
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Do u mean the computer shop near the Cheers of bukit batok central?Originally posted by DailyFreeGames.com:If I were to sell my comp, I would have to format my computer altogether, too much bad things inside, lol... Imagine forget to delete some files, then become the next NYP video clip over the net... That time I sent my computer for repair, that bastard repair man search my computer for porn, basket, even look through my files and photos... Still can remember that guy's repair shop is in a small corner in bukit batok market, basket... He thought I computer noob... But I just sent it for repair coz it wasn't worth my time to fix it, rather pay $40. -
wad do u mean by melting yur hardisk? care to explain?Originally posted by Parka: If you have a Mac, you can do a 1-pass format, 7-pass format and the ultimate 35-pass format. That's writing zeros over the harddisk.
The safest is to melt your harddisk.
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Originally posted by LancerVII:
jus format the whole comp the easiest way.
[b]Files that you need to remove before selling the computer's hard drive.
- E-mail contacts
- E-mail messages
- All documents
- All files in the operating system recycle bin or trash folder
- Internet files
- All non-transferable software (most software is transferable if you have the original disks and product key)
Softwares
Active Kill Disk - Hard Drive Eraser
Disk Cleaner
[/b]
But u need to wait for windows to install
anyway u choose wat u like to do lo.
Fomatting is the comp the safest way. -
yup... I also agree... formatting is the fastest way... but to be sure of ridding of everything in yur harddisk, can try the above softwares recommended by microsoft..
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If for me, I would also rather buy a new harddisk since it is not too expensive and for peace of mind...Originally posted by kalangkabo:personally, i think the risks far outweigh the savings...
don't know whether the guy dropped the harddisk before or if the harddisk crashed before...
besides, harddisks nowadays are not THAT expensive, unless you are talking about those super high-end high-capacity ones...
in which case, if I really need those, then I should be prepared to pay that kind of price... -
Just destroy the magnetic part of the hard disk and you don't even need to buy software or use whatever method. The magnetic part is where data are stored, and it being destroyed means impossible to recover.
However, crushing a hard disk won't do, because with proper tools, you can get data back. The FBI and CIA in US managed to do that. -
FBI and CIa hahaha..Originally posted by ndmmxiaomayi:Just destroy the magnetic part of the hard disk and you don't even need to buy software or use whatever method. The magnetic part is where data are stored, and it being destroyed means impossible to recover.
However, crushing a hard disk won't do, because with proper tools, you can get data back. The FBI and CIA in US managed to do that.
I dunno leh? -
Originally posted by FBI:FBI and CIa hahaha..
I dunno leh? -
Not you. The Federal Bureau Investigation in USA.Originally posted by FBI:FBI and CIa hahaha..
I dunno leh? -
I think so, it was years back already... For all I know, it may not even be the same owner anymore, but I don't send my comp for repairs anymore, now I mostly DIY coz I got confidential data in my computer.Originally posted by LancerVII:Do u mean the computer shop near the Cheers of bukit batok central? -
I used to work in a building in charge of internal security in singapore, here's how they destroy the data in the harddisk, I presume if they use this technic to remove top secret data, it's good for us too... They run it over a highly charged magnetic machine and that's all they do. I'm dumb and I don't know how it works really.
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oic.. it is better t0 repair yurself than allowing others to do if possible..Originally posted by DailyFreeGames.com:I think so, it was years back already... For all I know, it may not even be the same owner anymore, but I don't send my comp for repairs anymore, now I mostly DIY coz I got confidential data in my computer.