Are you planning to replace, sell, or give away your current computer? Not only do you need to ensure that your personal data is securely deleted, but you also have to provide the necessary features and software that the new user will need, while still maintaining copyright compliance.
One crucial step is to securely erase any personal data. Keep in mind that files you delete manually aren’t completely gone; this could lead to the possibility of your sensitive information being recovered using data recovery tools. Refer to the article on How to Recover Deleted Data on Your Computer. The consequences of losing such important information can be unimaginable.
Therefore, here’s a list of information you should erase before giving away or selling your computer:
- Contact list (Email contacts)
- Email messages
- All documents
- All files in the Recycle Bin
- Temporary Internet files
- Do not transfer licensed software (Most software can be transferred to another person if you have the original disc and product key).
Here are some software options that allow you to permanently delete data, making it unrecoverable:
Weberaser Demo permanently deletes unwanted files such as History, Internet cache files, cookies, images, emails, etc. Web Eraser automatically deletes the selected files. Weberaser enhances the delete function and interface, supporting the latest versions of IE, MSN, Yahoo, Netscape, AOL, and Opera.
Clean Disk Security 7.32 securely deletes files, ensuring that deleted files cannot be recovered. Additionally, this program deletes Windows swap files, temporary files on the hard disk, browser cache files, files in the Recycle Bin, and all files in the ‘recent files’ list. Clean Disk also allows you to view hidden files on the hard disk through Direct Disk Viewer.
Sure Delete permanently removes data from the hard disk. If you want to entirely eliminate sensitive information or need to free up space on the hard disk, Sure Delete is your choice. This program doesn’t just delete files; it truly “destroys” all this data. The utility provides a simple graphical interface and supports FAT12, FAT16, FAT32, and NTFS.
If you find it challenging, here are some options:
- Contact the technical support department of the computer manufacturer or seller and ask how to safely delete personal files (your computer may still be under warranty).
- Take the hard disk to reputable service providers and ask them to securely overwrite the data on the hard disk.
What should you do next after securely deleting personal data?
Most people use software like word processors and antivirus programs. If you uninstall licensed software, it’s best to replace them with free alternatives. OpenOffice is a great alternative to Microsoft Office. Free antivirus programs like AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition, D32, and BKAV are good substitutes for Norton Antivirus and McAfee.
Equally important, you need to uninstall any software and drivers that came with hardware that the old computer may no longer need. Once you have removed hardware like printers, fax machines, scanners, digital cameras, PDAs, MP3 players, card readers, and other removable devices, you should also uninstall the accompanying software and drivers.
Finally, gather all manuals and installation discs that came with the computer. This is necessary as the new user will need instructions for installation, removing programs, or updating to newer versions in the future. If your computer is still under warranty, provide all documents and warranty cards to the new user.
Minh Phuc
