Selling my computer/PC

[rebecca-h]

Hi,
We have recently bought a laptop and so now have a PC to get rid of - monitor, hard drive etc. We woulld like to sell but unsure how to clear all of our details from it? We can do the most obvious but am worried there may be stuff on there that we can't see. Is there somewhere i can take it to be cleared?

[Ethel]

You are right to be concerned and should use a utility disk wiper before disposal.

This is good advice - and free.

http://www.lboro.ac.uk/computing/policies/eras e.html

However, consider keeping the pc - you will be unlikely to get much money for it, and it will be a useful backup if the laptop goes wrong. And it may stop fighting for the internet. :)

[Mac70]

Try Eraser
http://www.heidi.ie/eraser/
The only sure way to wipe a disk is to use a hammer on it, but the software needed to recover data after a utility such as above would only normally be found in the hands of Government agencies and the police.
Joe Bloggs is unlikely to have it.

[fo3nix]

I'd also suggest Mac70's suggestion, Eraser.