Removing data from an old pc

[sag]

I'm buying a new PC and disposing of my old one, possibly to a deserving cause. However, I want to remove any personal data before doing so and I am not sure how to ensure that it has been securely removed. I've heard that some "experts" can retrieve so called deleted information.

Any ideas please. I am not a whizz with computers so practical rather than highly technical info would be greatly appreciated.

[VHG]

If the computer is not worth much, but there is potentially sensitive data on the hard disk, then take the hard disk out and smash it with a hammer.

As has been said, just deleting files is not enough. Even deleted files still sit on the hard disk.

Reinstalling Windows (and doing a format) may get rid of some files but possibly not all.

Plenty of criminals buy old computers just to get sensitive data off the hard drives.

[Billy_Sugger]

I recommend a big hammer

[sag]

Thanks for the advice. I suspect that it is simply best to use a big hammer!!

[ChuckFickens]

you might actually find it hard to do a lot of damage to a 3.5inch hard drive when it's not working even with a hammer, they are surprising tough sometimes.

I take a drill ton them before disposing hard drives at work, a few holes drilled through it will render it unusable.

[sag]

Thanks for the tip, Chuck. As I said, I am not a computer whizz so, to be honest I did not know what the disk actually looks like. In my simple mind I thought that it was like a dvd disk! I'll definitely consider your advice, thanks.