How To Wipe Pc?

Hi, I'm selling my pc and want to erase it before delivering it to its next owner. How can I make sure it's totally, irreversibly wiped clean? Thank you in advance for help.

 

thank you, going to check

 

I normally wipe my drive at least 7 times.Some times more depending on how much files there are.

DOD is normal standard for wiping things.

 

thank you, those apps what Tim sent to me are not good?

 

TimW - a forum administrator - would never recommend bad programs. If you want that system hard drive wiped fully use the programs in that link.

 

Thank you, have no doubts about Tim and I've always got a great help on this forum. Was about using the second one for windows - from Tim's link.

 

Use the one you feel most comfortable with. Don't overcomplicate the issue - it's quite simple.
My personal favourite is ERASER
http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/eraser.html
Once you have deleted all data from the drive that is yours (but obviously NOT the Operating System!) you then run Eraser to wipe all the hard drive FREE SPACE - and choose the number of overwrites you want, 7 should be the minimum.

 

Yes going to use that one.

Shoul I put more overwrites? I mean more than 7?

Can I ask u another thing? Regarding antivirus. I just got new laptop - Windows 10 - and there is installed Windows Defender. I was using Avast or Avira before. Should I reinstall that program? Or is it sufficient?

Thank you.

 

Unless you had data on that hard drive that if it was recovered would cause you serious embarrassment or financial cost, or potential legal problems, then 7 runs are fine. But if you want to be sure then 35 runs is fine but it takes longer.
As I said earlier, don't complicate a simple issue.

On your new system use whatever security software you want - they all support Windows 10. But (apart from Windows Defender - which is never my choice) you must not have two Real Time protection AV programs installed at the same time.

 

I

I know, therefore I am asking. If is possible to reinstall Windows Defender. I would go maybe for Avast and Malwarebytes.

 

You don't and can't 'reinstall' Windows Defender.
It comes integrated as a part of Windows 10 automatically.
If you choose to rely on that alone, then you do nothing.
You can install Avast FREE and that will be fine, but it would be a waste of money buying Malwarebytes rather than just using the free version for periodic scans.
But remember that your surfing habits are just as important as what software you have.

You should also read this MG Guide to protecting your system:
https://forums.majorgeeks.com/threads/how-to-protect-yourself-from-malware.44525/

 

That's bad. Had that suspect.
But can I run Windows Defender and Avast synchronously? You said is not possible.

 

Once you install something like Avast Free (or most others) it will literally take over the job of AV/Malware protection from Windows Defender(WD).
YOU don't have to do anything. You never 'run' anything with WD anyway as it is mostly automatic.
Once again you seem to be complicating something simple.

 

I am not talking about Malwarebytes but Avast and Windows Defender - if I can run Windows Defender and Avast at the same time.

 

Read my post above #15 again. It doesn't mention Malwarebytes.
Please read earlier when I explained the difference between a REAL TIME PROTECTION AV program, and one used just for separate scanning, and that (apart from WD that you don't even need to touch!) you must not have two separate third party real time protection programs installed. Avast Free real time protection, with Malwarebytes FREE non-real time protection is fine.

 

Great, finally clear answer !!

So I don't have to do anything with WD, right?
That is what I didn't understand. If I have to unistal WD or what should do in order to running different antivirus prog.
I was using - until now - Avast and for scanning Malwarebytes. And I was fine. Hope is ok.

Thank you.

 

Great.
You were told three times you didn't need to touch or do anything with WD and that you can't remove it even if you wanted.

 

Yes but u didn't tell me that it will get disabled automatically. ( I thought it will continue running ) How I suppose to know? Sorry not pc specialist.

Thank you a lot for help.

 

Your probably thinking about Microsoft security essentials As max said windows defender is integrated in all current operating systems.

 

Yes, reading articles about it now. Max is convinced that I am retard.

 

This told you that ages ago in post #15.

It isn't 'retarded' just simply silly when someone doesn't read what is posted.

 

Yes but u could say that Windows Defender will be disabled. That was THE ONLY THING what I didn't understand.

 

I have no experiences with Windows Defender as a full antivirus program. I was aware only of Microsoft Security Essentials ....

 

Yes. I am trying to download Eraser ( taLking about wiping hard disk ). But it stops while downloading NET frame. Don't u know what could be the problem? I also saw that is wildly used DBAN. Is that prog ok? Or FAT32?

 

Read this.
http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/dariks_boot_and_nuke.html

 

Max is cool. He's very passionate about what he does here, and he wants to be sure that your problem gets fixed the right way.

 

Max?

 

Main part is missing .... it was deleted?

 

I don't remember which one

 

Yes, of course

 

Thank you Tim, I saw description. I am installing Net Framework so hopefully I will download Eraser.