How do I erase information permanently?

Hello. I'm selling my computer and I'm wanting to erase permanently all my information, website passwords, yahoo messenger passwords, etc.. After I delete all my information can the person I sell my computer to be able to retrieve my passwords etc.. if they know how? I'm planning on erasing all my information using CCleaner. Will this program permanently erase my information? Take care, Matthew.

 

this was touched on a little in your other thread. if you can go and get your files and/or put them in the recycle bin, or a folder it should. ccleaner won't delete your p/w's (as far as i know), you'll have to manually go in and erase them, from your messengers (aim, etc), internet explorer browser, and any other browsers you have (ie - firefox, etc). you might want to also save, and/or delete your bookmarks.

make sure you go into ccleaner --> options --> settings --> select box "secure file deletion", then change it to 3 or 7 passes. of course this might be slightly different for whatever version of ccleaner you have. - sos

you also need to look in popular d/l folders (ie - my documents, my pictures, my music, C:\Downloads, etc). i'd slowly look around on your comp, as a precaution.

edit - there are some programs here (i think), that will write zeros to the unused part of your h/d. this might also help you. i'll post if i find them. - sos

 

Hi just found this but i would google to make sure it is legit/malware free or see if you can find it on MGs
http://www.killdisk.com/?gclid=CIuXqqyO4JMCFQTtlAodtAy1WQ
Just found the same program on MGs http://www.majorgeeks.com/Active_KillDisk_d4791.html

 

Understand that KillDisk will completely delete all the information on your hard drive, including your OS (Windows), making the computer much less valuable.
If you have a CD of an OS (such as XP) you can run Killdisk and then reinstall Windows from your CD.

 

As far as Killdisk I don't know but I'm using a program called Webroot's Windows washer and it works great for cleaning up my hard drive and can make a disk to thoroughly erase a hard drive better than NSA does and it can erase files if you chose to do so, also there is a endless number of freeware utilities provided on majorgeeks.com and techrepulic.com

 

If you want to save the O/S but get rid of passwords etc go to Control Panel, Internet Options, Content tab;
For IE7 - Autocomplete, Settings. Uncheck all boxes.
For IE6 - Personal information, AutoComplete, uncheck all boxes. Then Clear Forms and Clear Passwords. Then clear your History etc.

Run CCleaner to delete all Cookies, Temp Internet Files. When you've finished, restart the machine. I would then run a Defrag.

Go back to Control Panel, Internet Options, Content tab. Recheck all boxes for the new "User" so they don't get "lost" when using IE.

 

Sell your PC minus the hard drive is the best recommendation, to be perfectly safe. The new owner will probably want a bigger hard drive anyhow. :-D Bazza

 

Hey, shiloh

You can try Tracks Eraser Pro. I am currently using it on Vista. It can easily erase all tracks of PC activity.

 

The easiest way to get rid of everything is to re-install your OS with the disk this will re-format the hard drive and just leave the OS.

i am not sure if the FBI could recover info from it but it is beyond the casual user.

you don't say what OS you have but check this it's for XP.

http://www.ehow.com/how_6026_format-hard-drive.html

 

Rita85, don't respond to a thread that is 2 months old. The computer is probably out the door.

 

I have to be honest i did not look at the date