Wiping your hard disk?

[QuizzicalBen]

Hi, I'm getting a new laptop for Christmas so I'm putting my old one up on eBay. However, I've been told that even when you re-boot your computer, some of your old files are still accessable. The problem is that I have certain data like bank info that I want completely wiped for the obvious reasons. Is there any free program or something I can download off the net to completely wipe the hard disk? Thanks for your help, I know nothing about computers and would appreciate some input from the knowledgeable =)

[Ethel]

I think you mean 'reformat' not reboot.

Try this free program

http://www.computeractive.co.uk/computeractive /downloads/2140558/eraser

[fo3nix]

I'd also recommend the above tool.

Wipe the entire drive.

[buildersmate]

And do it several times. The magnetic material holds a residual memory and it takes several erase sweeps to lower the threshold of the residue such that it can never by retrieved by those with the inclination. Which is why the security agencies incinerate theirs.

[ACtheTROLL]

eraser is about as good as it gets

the home page is at
http://www.heidi.ie/eraser/

read the faq on erasing an entire disc
http://www.heidi.ie/eraser/faq.php#erase hd

warnings
it will take hours
if you have used the machine and stored passwords, bank details or bought online ......
you are a fool if you don't erase the disc using at least a 7 pass option ..... 35 to be as sure as you can be

[peanut]

Or your best bet is to sell it without the HDD and keep it as a backup for yourself.

[QuizzicalBen]

You've all been so helpful, thank you very much! Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah!