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Technology Computing, programming, science, electronics, telecommunications, etc. |
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07-21-2009, 05:43 PM | #1 |
Person who doesn't update the user title
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 12,486
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Wiping a computer clean
We've barely used our desktop over the past few years and it's now currently in storage. I think it might be a good time to sell it, and I'd like to wipe it clean so that none of our personal stuff is left on there.
There is nothing left on there that we want or need, so now I want to make sure I'm going about this the right way. My understanding is that reinstalling the OS--XP in this case--is the best way to go. I have all the software disks that UT used to build the 'puter. Is that right? Does someone out there have a step-by-step guide that would help me? Warnings? TIA. |
07-21-2009, 06:02 PM | #2 |
Gone and done
Join Date: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,808
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You also need to 'scrub the disk' -- use a utility like Summit's Hard Disk Scrubber (free).
This will make the data still left on the disk (yes, there's data there even after a low-level format and a re-install!) invisible to all but the most determined. It won't keep out the NSA, but it will prevent that schmuck who bought your machine on eBay from snagging your credit card info off some obscure temporary file.
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07-21-2009, 08:38 PM | #3 |
Elite Elitist
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Reno, NV
Posts: 322
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Or use Darik's Boot and Nuke to wipe the hard drive. Free and open source.
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07-21-2009, 08:41 PM | #4 |
Why, you're a regular Alfred E Einstein, ain't ya?
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 21,206
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If someone has open source, they should get them looked at. Are they oozing everywhere?
Which leads me to: I hear that phrase all the time. What does it mean?
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A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones who need the advice. --Bill Cosby |
07-21-2009, 09:14 PM | #5 |
Your Bartender
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Philly Burbs, PA
Posts: 7,651
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Mrs. Dallas swears by Spic 'n' Span. I myself prefer 409. YMMV.
Shawnee... it means the source code (the instructions the original computer programmer(s) wrote) is available for you to study if you like. Example: Firefox. "Closed source" or "proprietary" software don't allow you to do that. Example: Internet Explorer. |
07-21-2009, 09:25 PM | #6 |
Resident President
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 81
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any linux boot disk should do the trick. get ye to a command line and try something like "dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/sda" (might have to adjust sda (scsi/sata drive) to hda (pata/ata) drive...with the a being replaceable with b, c, d, etc. for second, third, fourth, whatever drives.)
It'll write zeroes to the entirety of the drive. Do it a few times if you're feeling paranoid. Or just keep the hard disk if you're really in doubt. Boot and Nuke (mentioned earlier) is probably an easier 1-step solution. |
07-21-2009, 10:02 PM | #7 |
Doctor Wtf
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Badelaide, Baustralia
Posts: 12,861
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I doubt you'll get much money for a few-year old desktop - if yuo are at all concerned about what might be on it, don't sell it, destroy it.
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07-21-2009, 11:12 PM | #8 |
Sentimental Sentient
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 38
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Boot the Windows disks and follow the instructions on-screen.
It's useful when you have a virus, too. |
07-22-2009, 07:59 AM | #9 | |
Why, you're a regular Alfred E Einstein, ain't ya?
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 21,206
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Quote:
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A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones who need the advice. --Bill Cosby |
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07-22-2009, 09:06 AM | #10 |
dar512 is now Pete Zicato
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Chicago suburb
Posts: 4,968
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The side effect you may be interested in is that open source implies free to use as well.
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07-22-2009, 09:32 AM | #11 |
Why, you're a regular Alfred E Einstein, ain't ya?
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 21,206
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If it's free, it's for me!
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A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones who need the advice. --Bill Cosby |
07-22-2009, 11:16 AM | #12 |
Lecturer
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Carmel, Indiana
Posts: 761
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I highly recommend Darik's Boot and Nuke. It just works. It works really well, actually, and is easy to use. Burn the ISO in your program of choice, boot the PC, and run it.
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07-22-2009, 06:01 PM | #13 |
NSABFD
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: MS. usa
Posts: 3,908
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Mitch. Is ctupdate down? I can't connect. Tnxs bb
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07-22-2009, 10:19 PM | #14 |
“Hypocrisy: prejudice with a halo”
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Savannah, Georgia
Posts: 21,393
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Anyone but the this most fuked up President in History in 2012! |
07-22-2009, 11:40 PM | #15 |
LONG LIVE KING ZIPPY! per Feetz
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 7,661
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a shotgun or termite works Wounders !!
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