leave on windows but clean the rest for selling

[meredith101]

i'm selling my laptop, was wondering if i can leave on windows, drivers, and a few programs but clean the rest so that after i delete it the info is really no longer there....would rather not format.
thanks

[kenny46]

get a free shredder and clean your hard disk with it.it should only clean out your memory and leave the rest intact.

[meredith101]

thanks kenny won't it scratch it :)
know any good ones?

[fo3nix]

You really should do a low-level format and reinstall, especially if being sold to a stranger.

If not, use Eraser to erase personal stuff:

http://www.heidi.ie/eraser/

[ACtheTROLL]

Fo3nix is on the ball

if you do banking ... take the time to do at least a 7 pass erase.

don't leave any progs on the machine unless you are including the original disc/lisence (a "favour" can put you on the wrong side of the law)

[meredith101]

great, thanks very much