Windows 7 cleaning HDD

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boros.filip

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Sep 5, 2017
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Hello, I'm going to sell my old PC and I want to by certain that all of my personal stuff will be gone and no one can access any sensitive data left on HDD. I read a few threads, but I'm still not certain what is better. Just delete what I can and reinstall windows or completely wipe HDD and boot windows from USB, but it comes with some problems because I had windows preinstalled on my PC Lenovo IdeaCentre H420. Can someone help me and advice me on what should I do? Thanks a lot!
 
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Solandri
Doing a secure erase (overwriting all free space with 1s or 0s so the original data can't be recovered) is so trivial I'd do it just for the peace of mind. Just be aware than it can take a long time (close to 24 hours on some of the larger drives).

In your case, you want to first format and reinstall Windows (to wipe any personal info lingering around in the registry). Then you want to use a secure erase program to "secure erase all free space." Normally my go-to program for this is CCleaner. But in light of its recent malware infection you may want to use an alternative.

https://www.lifewire.com/free-data-destruction-software-programs-2626174

There are more robust military-grade wipes available (overwrites the space with 0s...
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JackNaylorPE

JackNaylorPE

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Oct 30, 2004
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If your HD contains state secrets, you do accounting for the mob, contains your financial records, passwords or anything you consider private, then I would do a secure erase. Download the appropriate Hard Disk Utilities from your HD manufacturer web site; these usually have this option. Otherwise google "Secure Erase" and download a utility that appeals to you.

http://www.belarc.com/products_belarc_advisor
Run Belarc advisor to get your "product key"

Downolad the Windows USN installation tool and get your OS file to reinstall

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/windows-usb-dvd-download-tool
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/home

 
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Solandri

Solandri

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Jan 4, 2012
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Doing a secure erase (overwriting all free space with 1s or 0s so the original data can't be recovered) is so trivial I'd do it just for the peace of mind. Just be aware than it can take a long time (close to 24 hours on some of the larger drives).

In your case, you want to first format and reinstall Windows (to wipe any personal info lingering around in the registry). Then you want to use a secure erase program to "secure erase all free space." Normally my go-to program for this is CCleaner. But in light of its recent malware infection you may want to use an alternative.

https://www.lifewire.com/free-data-destruction-software-programs-2626174

There are more robust military-grade wipes available (overwrites the space with 0s, then 1s, repeat). These take even more time, but are probably not worth it. In theory it's possible to read some residual magnetic pattern even after a single overwrite. But AFAIK it's never actually be demonstrated. So these military-grade wipes are more for the peace of mind of governments who want to be sure that even a very determined attacker could recover the information. I've used the multi-pass wipes on a couple hard drives I wiped for doctors wishing to dispose of them, to guarantee compliance with HIPAA.
 
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