Erase HardDrive without unistalling Windows XP?

Hey All,

I am selling my computer and I safely wanted to remove all my files from the computer for security and privacy purposes. I use Windows XP home and have 3 user accounts. As of now I have backed up all my files, cleared the internet cache, unistalled all software and removed all accounts. My question is there a software that will basically erase my hardrive without erasing three esential software components - Windows, Office, Antivirus. If not, what is the best way to make sure that my data is secure and the next user will not be able to access the data. Thanks.

Vcash

 

Not that I'm aware of. If you are selling your computer, you should buy a new hard drive and swap it with your current drive. Install Windows XP Home, Office, and your antivirus.

 

I might suggest installing a fresh copy of Windows (do a full format on the HDD), and then also use Norton SystemWorks and use their WipeInfo program. It can write bogus information to all the free space on the drive. It takes a while for it to work (since it has to write 40, 60, 80, or more GB), but after I ran that on my old computer I have full confidence that no one will get the info. Then uninstall SystemWorks from the computer you're selling, and keep the copy for yourself.

SystemWorks is a less expensive than a new HDD, but it should do the trick.

I also verified that I couldn't retrieve any files, using a few programs that I have that can find files accidentally erased.

 

Hmmm - I found this resource on Microsft's website:
http://www.microsoft.com/uk/athome/security/update/donatecomputer.mspx

It lists some freeware such as:

• Weberaser

• Active Kill Disk: Hard Drive Eraser

• Disk Cleaner

• Sure Delete

Does software like this absoultely delete all software? Meaning I will need to reinstall windows, office and AV? The buying a seperate HD sounds like a good idea but unfortunatley, I am unable to buy a new HD and install all software due to the lack of time.

 

If there is sensitive information/data, I would strongly suggest that you do a fresh install--and also run a program like the one night_2004 suggested. I have seen data still be retrievable after a reformat.

 

here's another idea...you might want to consider typing up a small text file and saving it in a directory like C:\Garbage

copy that file over and over and over, until your hard drive is full. that should overwrite any "data" still hiding on the hard drive. once you're done, just delete the C:\Garbage folder to claim your space back.

 

ditto. with a fresh reformat (no tricks to wipe the data) i was able to recover all of my documents...all 3.5 GB worth of them! you need to do something if you value your data.

 

I recommend eraser and have used it. Freeware and works wtih Win 98 through XP. Info and download at:

http://www.tolvanen.com/eraser/

It's a very small program, it integrates with the shell, has an option to wipe all free space (leaving your OS, antivirus, etc.) alone. You can set it to overwrite with random characters as many times as you like, or choose DoD or other options.

If you want to go this route and don't want to do a full re-install of the OS, I'd recommend disabling system memory (the pagefile system) first. Eraser isn't able to overwrite the pagefile system while it's active.

Hope this helps.