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Erasing Data

  • When you give your computer to someone else, you're giving your data to them as well. Erasing the data can be done in three ways. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
  • 1. You can simply delete the files and empty the Recycling Bin. There's two disadvantages:
    • You have to know where all your data is stored. Microsoft Office places all data files in the My Documents folder by default. Other products like WordPerfect store data files elsewhere. Unless you know where all the data files are stored, you might miss something.
    • It's very easy for anyone with a little knowledge and easily obtainable software to retrieve all your files. When you delete a file, it doesn't delete the file. It only deletes the pointer to the file. If you think of having an index to all your files, deleting a file only deletes the entry in the index. Most people won't go to the effort to get to old data. If you don't have personal files on your computer, or at least nothing that really matters, this method should be sufficient.
  • 2. You can reformat the disk.
    • With Windows 95/98, click on the Start button, select Programs, and then MS-DOS Prompt. In the resulting window, type "format c:" (without the quotes) and press the Enter key. It will warn you that continuing will erase all your data. Actually it will erase everything on the hard drive.
    • It's very easy for anyone with a little knowledge and easily obtainable software to retrieve all your files. When you delete a file, it doesn't delete the file. It only deletes the pointer to the file. If you think of having an index to all your files, deleting a file only deletes the entry in the index. Most people won't go to the effort to get to old data. If you don't have personal files on your computer, or at least nothing that really matters, this method should be sufficient.
  • Naturally, there are disadvantages:
    • If you're planning on someone else using this computer, it must have Windows and all other applications reloaded. If you've lost the Windows CD that came with your computer, the new user will have to purchase a new copy of Windows. Invoices for other applications like Microsoft Office are also needed before they can be reloaded.
    • Formatting the disk is still not foolproof. With the right software and someone that knows what they're doing, the data is still readable. However, this is far beyond a normal user and this method should be more than sufficient for almost everyone.
  • 3. You can overwrite all data on the disk. This requires special software. If you have especially sensitive data like student records or executive correspondence, you need to contact the Help Desk at 262-3536 to open a work order.
  • Note: If it's a home computer and you have data you don't want anyone to see, you might consider removing the hard drive and destroying it or putting it into your new computer as a second drive. This makes it unnecessary to transfer the old files to the new computer. However, whoever gets your old computer will have to buy a new hard drive, but they're relatively inexpensive. The new owner will also need your CD to install Windows onto the new hard drive.