How do I clean out an old computer?

[JSB_01]

I recently got a laptop and my mom wants my old desktop. Well, the problem is there are some "files" on there that she doesn't need to see. I'm going to burn them all onto cd's, but is there anything else I can do? I know to clear my history and stuff, but I want to make sure to leave behind no evidence of my internet downloads.

 

[looseliam]

YOu can go directory by directory removing things.

If it's images you're after, or movies, search the drive for them *.jpg, *.mpg, etc.

My recommendation would be a format and reinstall windows.

 

[mike_n_herrin]

Assuming you have windows xp, i think you could create a new user profile for your mom make it more of a general user. and leave your account but set a password as an administrator. i think you could also make your mom's account an administrator and the delete your profile and don't save any of your files or settings (this is assuming all your "files" are in your my documents folder). Also it's assuming you have everything you want off it.

 

[trinket]

JSB_01, you might also want to check out this slightly older thread in this forum, "Wiping A Computer To Gift It". Lots of Moms getting some technology - nice to see.

As looseliam says, if it's going to keep you up at night about what Mom might bump into, a format and Windows reinstall, maybe combined with an empty disk space wipe, might be a good way to go ("I say we nuke the site from orbit...it's the only way to be sure.") If it's going to take you a long time to remove files themselves and pointers to them (shortcuts, auto-completes, "Last Opened" in various apps, etc.), it may ultimately be quicker, as well. If you go this route, obviously copy any/all data you want off the drive first, and make sure there are no programs or drivers that you can't reinstall back.

 

[wirega56]

Do a complete reinstall for her

 

[Yooper]

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

No, really, what they ^ ^ said. I know nothing.

 

[icefan]

You can completely delete/restore the computer, or as long as you didn't put anything in a shared folder, create a new profile for your mom, and then delete the other profiles.

 

[looseliam]

JSB, no one addressed your query in terms of possibly having a Mac.

If you do, simply reformat using the original CDs, selecting "erase hard drive" when it prompts you; this tactic will overwrite all of your data one time. If you want a 7 or a 35-swipe data overwrite, the procedure is slightly more complex; this is probably overkill for your Mama's needs.

(PC users...is it really as hard on a PC as you all are making it seem?)

Umm, no. You put the OS CD in delete the partition and reinstall.

Sound similar, doesn't it?

 

[Paws]

Fresh installation.

 

[JSB_01]

Thanks for the advice guys! The last thing I want my mom to see is Cum Dumpster 5 or something!

P.S. I made that title up, I assure you!

 

[Corny]

the seven or 35 times is completely superfluous according to the latest research (35 times, are you f*cking kidding me?!). I have no idea why mac would include the option for 7 wipes, let alone 35

I believe it is still some US goverment standard.
So if you have a harddrive that weights like 1kg per gigabyte ... yeah, do 7 wipes. But most likely you will have like 1 kilo per terabyte and don't need that

@JL:
please check the other thread again to see my post in the proper context. what i posted was in response to someone recommending a low-level-format for increased security - which doesn't work on modern harddrives.