[TriLUG] Computer and copier Data Security and Secure Erase

[David Burton]

On a Windows machine, if you just want to delete your personal data, and
don't want to wipe Windows, itself, this is effective.  (Note: it assumes
Windows XP.)


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: David Burton <ncdave4life at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Jan 13, 2011 at 1:56 PM
Subject: Re: [bmpc] computer disposal

Here's how to thoroughly erase your personal/confidential data from the
computer's hard disk drive, without wiping out Windows itself, in ten easy
steps:

1. If you've stored such files in places *other than* sub-folders of your My
Documents, My Pictures, etc. (e.g., in the root of the C: drive, "C:\"),
then delete them.  (It is not necessary to delete the files in & under your
My Documents folder, because step 6, below, will delete them for you.)
Then,

2. Also, uninstall any software that you don't want the new owner to have
(perhaps for licensing reasons).  Then,

3. Install CCleaner <http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner>.  (Uncheck the
automatic updates and Yahoo Toolbar options while installing it.)  Then,

4. From Control Panel, create a new "administrator" level User account, with
no password.  Then,

5. Log off, then Log in as the new user account.

6. Go to control panel, and delete all the old user account(s).  When asked,
tell Windows that you do, indeed, want it to delete all the users' files.

7. Enable the viewing of "hidden" files and folders (here are
instructions<http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/win_fcab_show_file_extensions.mspx?mfr=true>
).

8. In Windows Explorer, browse to "C:\Documents and Settings\" and look for
remnants of other old user accounts.  There might not be any, but if there
are some then they are user folders left over by past Windows hiccups,
so delete them.  But do *not* delete any of the following:
"All users" or "Administrator" or "Default user" or "Local service" or
"Network service" or the account you just created (nor any of those with a
dot-something extension).

9. In Windows Explorer, browse to "C:\" and look for "FOUND.0xx" folders and
"FILE0xxx.CHK" files.  If there are any, then delete them.

10. Run CCleaner.  In the list of options, go clear to the bottom, and check
the "Wipe Free Space" option.  Then "Run Cleaner" and go have dinner.

When CCleaner finishes, your computer is now safe to give to someone else.

Dave
www.GeeksAlive.com <http://www.geeksalive.com/>
Cary, NC
919-481-2183