De-formatting pc

[coggles]

We want to sell our old pc but want to wipe off all data first. What is the easiest and most foolproof way of removing all personal information? Thank you.

[Dave Potts]

The 'fdisk' DOS command is how I've always done it - have a gander here for more info - http://www.techadvice.com/tech/H/HardDriveFormat.h
tm#FormatTheDrive

[coggles]

Thanks Dave. That all looks really simple, so I am sure it will work when I attempt it in a couple of days!

[Lee_c]

If your data is critical then you might want to get some software to completely erase your hard drive. There is plenty of software that will recover files from a drive that has been cleared with FDisk, reformatted and then even windows re-installed. I have used it myself on drives that have been corrupted and it recovers absolutely everything. There is a programme here: http://www.softpedia.com/public/cat/14/4/14-4-53.s
html that will completely erase your data and it is free. I would strongly suggest something like this to be sure.

[coggles]

Thanks Lee-c, I have saved link and shall use it when I sort out old pc for selling in the next couple of days.