How to destroy unwanted data
I have a computer with a 2 tb hard drive that I am going to donate to a charity. It has Windows 10 64 bit on it now and it is working fine. I am seeking a utility (free or inexpensive) that will take the remnants of ALL files that are not being used and zero them out or do some sort of medium to high level wipe so that there is no chance of some would be hacker getting more than a free computer. Hopefully an Expert knows of such a utility. I only want to leave the operating system on the computer. It must be a utility that is fairly easy to use and not a long list of command line commands.
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nobus, the asker wants to keep this system intact (no reinstall) with OS and Office, not another one.
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personally - i don't use these tools often
i delete all personal data : my documents, pictures, video, music, downloads
then i create anothe ruser - and delete the old account
you can also delete IE history and so on if you like
if you want to be sure tha deleted files can't be recovered, use a tool like BCWipe to wipe the free space :
http://www.jetico.com/products/personal-privacy/bcwipe/
i delete all personal data : my documents, pictures, video, music, downloads
then i create anothe ruser - and delete the old account
you can also delete IE history and so on if you like
if you want to be sure tha deleted files can't be recovered, use a tool like BCWipe to wipe the free space :
http://www.jetico.com/products/personal-privacy/bcwipe/
ASKER
Experts, with all the most excellent assistance above, I am sure that I can decide upon what is best for me in this situation. Thanks for taking your time to lend me a hand. I appreciate it!
Are you aware that choosing "best" gives 50% of the points to a single Expert (Dave) by default?
Didn't get that best answer...
I know this is closed but just wanted to add that Windows has a built in utility that can do that:
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb490878.aspx?f=255&MSPPError=-2147217396
cipher /w:C:\https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb490878.aspx?f=255&MSPPError=-2147217396
ASKER
Dear Experts, I was under the impression that when I closed a question that I was REQUIRED to choose the best answer. By your comments I am guessing that this is not true. I will have to check into it. Jeremy Weisinger, thanks so much for postig your idea. I will check it out right away. I do have ccleaner, but the user options are overwhelming to say the least.
Ultimately, upon answer analysis, Dave DOES have the best answer. It is not possible for his data to be stolen if he is still in possession of it. It does take up his storage space, BUT nobody has it except him. A unique answer to a problem, but one that is 100% effective.
Ultimately, upon answer analysis, Dave DOES have the best answer. It is not possible for his data to be stolen if he is still in possession of it. It does take up his storage space, BUT nobody has it except him. A unique answer to a problem, but one that is 100% effective.
did you look into BCWipe?
Sorry, but "I want to keep the OS" doesn't fit well to a "I never give them away" type of answer.
Regarding "Best" - yes, you need to mark one comment as such, but you do not need to keep the points assigned by that. You could have split point equally despite having a "best" answer, or shift points slightly, or whatever. To give "low" points to direct, reasonsable answers (we are talking about charity here, so least-cost approach) is unfair.
But my main point is: was it intentional?
Regarding "Best" - yes, you need to mark one comment as such, but you do not need to keep the points assigned by that. You could have split point equally despite having a "best" answer, or shift points slightly, or whatever. To give "low" points to direct, reasonsable answers (we are talking about charity here, so least-cost approach) is unfair.
But my main point is: was it intentional?
ASKER
Thanks experts!