complete system restore.

[webbo3]

Im having my computer taken away tomorrow to be written off ( the repair people to too long to repair it so im getting a new one) after backing up all the important stuff on my external hard drive i want to do a complete system restore and put my computer back to the day i go it with nothing on it whatsoever, like all my letters, photos, ect.

i may not be able to reply for a while so tnx in case i cant.


Dave.

[NazNomad]

Just format the hard-drive before you send it. If they're writing it off, do they even need the hard drive inside it?

[TTG]

The hard drive needs to be secure formatted or physically destroyed.

[squarebear]

If they are writing it off, why not detatch it yourself and introduce it to a hammer.

[venator]

If it's being written off, the easiest and best way of stopping anyone recovering data is to take out the hard disk and flatten it with a hammer. There are usually a couple of powerful magnets inside, which make lovely fridge magnets - Christmas pressie idea?

[venator]

Another thought - you can keep your hard disk and get a USB docking bay from Maplins. That way, you can access the data, or usi it for extra storage.

[webbo3]

tnx for all the answers but i could'nt even locate the hard drive, a friend of mine bought a second hand lap top and the previous owner had removed everything, how do i do this, im sure ive done it before by pressing f5 or something as the computer starts but i cant remember.

Dave.