It's always exciting buying a new computer. You can't wait to set it up and put its power to use. Of course, it often creates a problem: What do you do with your old computer?
You could turn it into a second Internet computer, DVR or a streaming media server. But you're more likely to sell it or give it away to a friend or family member.
That's fine, but you don't want to sell or give away your personal data along with it. Who knows where it might end up.
Unfortunately, you can't just place your sensitive files in the Recycle Bin and then empty it. This doesn't completely delete the files. It just hides them from the operating system until they're overwritten. Anyone with the right tools can recover them.
Now your friends and family members probably don't have the knowledge or desire to steal this information. However, a hacker or a virus could find it.
I have three ways that will make sure no one is ever able to recover your private data.
I do need to point out that these instructions are for conventional magnetic hard drives. They won't work well for the newer solid-state drives.
Wipe the drive completely. The quickest method of destroying your personal information is destroying all of the drive's data. Formatting the drive can do this.
You can do this manually or just re-install Windows. Windows 8 users can go to PC Settings>>General>>Remove Everything and reinstall Windows.
Formatting makes a data thief's job tougher but not impossible. To really get rid of data, you want to use a program like Darik's Boot And Nuke. This formats your drive, fills it up with junk information, and formats the drive again. The process repeats several times.
Of course, that leaves you with an empty drive. You'll need to re-install the operating system and programs.
Delete only your sensitive files. Most of what makes a computer worth having is the software. The previous method wipes it out.
However, there is a way to fully erase personal data while leaving Windows and programs alone. Grab a program like Eraser for Windows or Permanent Eraser for Mac. Like Darik's Boot and Nuke, these write over your deleted information multiple times to make sure it's really gone. However, they stick to files you select.
I recommend this method only if you're giving away your computer to someone you know. That way, if you miss something, it won't be a catastrophe.
Destroy the hard drive. If you don't need your hard drive anymore, physically destroying it is the best way to keep your data from falling into the wrong hands. I would still run the Boot And Nuke program first, however. Then pull it out of the computer case and go to town. The method doesn't really matter. Some people use a power drill, belt sander or hammer. Just make sure the drive's platters are sufficiently damaged so they never spin again. Waving a powerful magnet over the platters a few times is also a good idea.
Kim Komando hosts the nation's largest talk radio show about consumer electronics, computers and the Internet. Listen to her show from 1-4 p.m. each Sunday on KRMG am740 or fm102.3. To read more of her columns or sign up for her newsletters, go to
tulsaworld.com/komando
Original Print Headline: 3 Simple Ways To Delete Your Data For Good
Tech
Brazil plans to divorce itself from the U.S.-centric Internet over Washington's widespread online spying, a move that many experts fear will be a potentially dangerous first step toward fracturing a global network built with minimal interference by governments.
In the smartphone world, Android has been a smashing success. It's evolved into a strong and easy-to-use experience, and it's the platform of choice for most of the top-selling devices out there.
CONTACT THE REPORTER
Email
