Re: Giving computer away

From: Skorpion(CET) (skorpion(removethis)_at_suespammers.org)
Date: 12/16/03 

Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2003 19:23:03 -0000

jcochran.nospam@naplesgov.com (Jeff Cochran) wrote in
news:3fef2c13.524141455@msnews.microsoft.com:

> On Mon, 15 Dec 2003 21:27:16 -0800, "Josh" <jif116@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>>Hello, I am planing on upgrading my winXP computer soon,
>>and I would like to donate it. Is their anything I can
>>do short of a reformat and reinstall to scrub the
>>computer of personal data?
>
> Reformat and *not* reinstall...?
>
> Anything less runs the risk of leaving personal data *and* software
> that you can't transfer the license for to the new owner.
>
> Jeff
>

Even a "reformat and *not* reinstall" has the potential to leave personal
data that could be discovered. Depending on where the computer is donated,
may not be a significant risk...

The only way to be *completely* certain is to use a "wipe" software to
actually replace the bytes on the disk with useless data.

How secure do you need to be? Only you know for sure... 

-- 
-------------
Skorpion(CET)

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Upgrade or by again?
    ... Alison J. writes: ... Is it worth upgrading a 5 y.o. ... If you ordered a new copy of a Windows Operating System, ... CD's to donate, I would reload your old computer with the operating ...
    (alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt)
  • Re: OT: used cellphones for shelter charities?
    ... > I just upgraded my cell phone, and I'll be upgrading my husband's in ... when his 2 years is up (I got a bluetooth cellpphone/headset ... > recommendations for where to donate these items. ...
    (rec.arts.sf.tv.babylon5.moderated)
  • Re: Migrating NT4/SQL7 to 2003/SQL2000
    ... You can do it both ways, but upgrading OS first seems to be a better ... /* remove .online to send me e-mail */ ... Jeff Cochran wrote: ... > This is a member server in an NT domain and will eventually be moved ...
    (microsoft.public.sqlserver.setup)
  • Re: NT4 - W2K Upgrade
    ... And backUp is the most important part here. ... "Jeff Cochran" wrote in message ... >>Anybody mind giving me some pointers, warnings, advices about upgrading ...
    (comp.os.ms-windows.nt.admin.security)
  • Giving computer away
    ... Hello, I am planing on upgrading my winXP computer soon, ... and I would like to donate it. ... do short of a reformat and reinstall to scrub the ... hassel of a reinstall if at all possible. ...
    (microsoft.public.security)