Computer update

[lilypoppyfre]

I am soon going to upgrade my computer and a neighbour has asked me if she could buy it from me for her son. Because I have used it frequently to pay for holidays , I would like to make sure that credit card details and passport numbers can not be retrieved...can anyone tell me what steps I should take before letting my XP go ?

[R1Geezer]

Well it depends, if you are looking for MI5 levels of security then you need to format the main drive overwrite it and format again times N, then reinstall the operating system. However I suspect that you should just delete all personal files and cookies and downloads. Clear out the recycle bin, delete and uninstal anything else then run a defrag. That should do it. What OS you running? XP/Vista?

[lilypoppyfre]

Thank you R1Geezer. I am running a XP.

I am in my 70s and only want to make sure that personal details are "eternally binned" before I change computers !!

[hc4361]

http://www.filehippo.com/download_eraser/

Highly recommended free software for the job.
Alternatively, you could restore the pc to factory default, as it was when you bought it, if you have the appropriate disks.

[lilypoppyfre]

thank you hc4361 for the link.

I am really grateful to you and 1Geezer for your help. - When I went for an IT course at the Uni for the 3rd age, IU am sure that we must have touched the subject of recycling and deleting but....I had forgotten...so thanks you again.