Guttman algorithm

Discussion in 'Software' started by jamesfg, Mar 6, 2010.

  1. jamesfg

    jamesfg Private E-2

    Hi,

    If I use the Guttman algorithm, which makes 35 passes, will my hard drive be wiped sufficiently clean that it would be safe for me to sell my laptop and not have to worry about someone getting important information from the drive?

    Thank you.
     
    jamesfg, Mar 6, 2010
    #1
  2. brandypeppy

    brandypeppy MajorGeek

    I haven't used that drive cleaner, but cCLeaner, also has an effective "wipe free space" option that I would run 3 times and feel secure about.
    It depends upon the nature of your data. I know of law offices that donate their computers to organizations, sans the hard drive.:wave
     
    brandypeppy, Mar 6, 2010
    #2
  3. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    Hi

    Yes it would and I would also wipe the free space too if the drive cleaner you are using has that option, but a DoD or NSA 3-7 pass wipe would be fine. The most effective way is it delete partition and format HDD and install Windows again over just erasing data.
     
    DavidGP, Mar 6, 2010
    #3
  4. jamesfg

    jamesfg Private E-2

    Thanks brandypeppy and Halo for your responses. Both answered by question. I will do a reformat of the hard drive and re-installation of Windows after performing the Guttman algorithm. CCleaner's ability to wipe free space is something I did not know about. I plan to give it a try.

    Both of you have a real Good one.:)
     
    jamesfg, Mar 6, 2010
    #4

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