What software do I need to completely remove data stored on an old hard drive?

Hey! Ive got an old computer and want to give it away but clear any personal info that might be retained incase it gets into the wrong hands. I know there are various software out there that can completely erase everything from the hard disk but I dont know where to go and get them and which to choose. Would PC World provide it? Also any idea how much they cost? Cheers

What software do I need to completely remove data stored on an old hard drive?
Don't go to PC World!





Just download a free one off the net.





http://www.killdisk.com/





http://www.pcinspector.de/Sites/e_maxx/i...
Reply:Why not a quick format?
Reply:yes, you can find several erase programs on PCWorld.com or on www.c-net.com, then go to downloads, then type in erasers. you can get consumer reviews, free downloads, etc. there and decide for yourself which individual program would be best for your needs. it's a great site! good luck!
Reply:i use a programme called kill disc its free and will wipe everything of so its like new you have to download onto disc first then run when u restart will come up with no operating sys found
Reply:just FORMAT, the drive, it will scrub it clean...
Reply:hirens boot disc is the best purchase you could make:





http://www.hiren.info/pages/bootcd





This has SEVERAL other helpful utilities, however what you are looking for is something that will re-write the 1's and 0's several times over. I have used this several times for very confidential info like financial stuff (i am a system administrator for a software company) and always feel very confident with this product.





Beware: it takes A LONG time to do a several pass erase, however it is well worth it!





Hope that helps, good luck!
Reply:You can do that of your own by formatting the Hard disk....You can right click on the old disk and then click Format.....It will erase all the data.....
Reply:The best piece of software is a hammer to smash the hard drive to bits followed by a match to set light to the pieces. It's the only safe way to wipe a hard drive.
Reply:go to my computer


right on your old hard drive


then click format
Reply:If you have a usb port use memory sticks to take it off hard drive and reformat drive. kevin
Reply:Hi, Nor format, quick format, partition erase or any user interaction will completely erase your drive, ForensicRecovery Software usually can find almost anything on your drive.





Some software like steganos security suite has a file shredder that allows you to secure erase your personal files, they have some eval versions. Download them, try them use to destroy your personal files and if it worth the money PLEASE buy them.





Regards





PS: Hirens boot cd had a lot of tools, but.... those are illegally compilled into one CD, beware of the laws of Intellectual Property, and also viruses or malware
Reply:Cyberscrub or Eraser both programs you can download, Eraser is free....would clear everything.....Hope this helps
Reply:hi mate


there are plenty of hard drive formatting utilitys however even with a windows boot disk and using the "fdisk" command prompt you will never 100% clear all data from a hard drive


this is because when you format the drive you can still recover the files using the correct software


however your best option is to download a windows start up disk such as the windows 98se start-up-disk (http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm) and use this file to create the floopy boot disk


then using the advanced bios features option in the set up,change the boot order to floopy drive as first boot device,then remember to save and exit set up


the disk will then load and you can then either use the "format" command prompt such as :


format :c %26gt;then press enter


or fdisk %26gt; this will gove you options to delete and create partitions and also mark them as active,you can also check the partition info


after you have created or any changes made to a drive you need to format them and then restart the p.c


i wouldnt go to p.c world,they are pretty poor at what they do,i know a guy who works for them as a "tech guy"...what you avin a laugh" his p.c knowledge is terrible and he has destroyed more p.c,s than he has fixed...keep clear


check this out from microsoft : http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=31334... here is a 3rd party formatting tool :Data Lifeguard Diagnostic for DOS (Floppy) from http://support.wdc.com/download/?cxml=n%26amp;...


The Data Lifeguard Diagnostic Tools are used primarily for determining the physical condition of your hard drive. If you are having computer problems which you suspect are hard drive related, you can test your drive with this tool. This diagnostic utility is designed for hard drives larger than 8.4 GB with the model number starting with WDxxx.


you can also format your drive suing this program


any problems let me know


good luck mate !
Reply:Hi Kolored


My advice is to follow what Brianthesnail has posted or go to Microsoft's (site http://support.microsoft.com/kb/313348) and follow the instructions given.


Remember you will not be able to format it completely What you can do if you have another desktop use it as a storage disk or remove it and purchase a cheap new hdd you could purchase a 20gb hdd for £15.00 or less from this site.


http://www.autdirect.co.uk/acatalog/7200...


What ever you choose


Good Luck