Deleting internet history from old PC

[ClaireStan]

I have an old Dell PC which I know longer require. I want to donate it but first need to remove all my browsing history, passwords etc that I have used on the internet. I have removed all the old games by using add/remove programmes.
How do I go about this? Do I just remove internet explorer? How do I restore the computer to its original factory settings?

[scotman]

Do you have the original installation discs for the operating system? If you do then you can reformat the hard disc and reinstall the OS.

[ClaireStan]

sorry dont have original disks to hand.

[scrunge999]

The only way to be sure that internet history etc cannot be recovered (unless whoever gets your PC is really determined) is to reformat the hard drive. If you have to donate the PC with the OS on it you can reinstall it without the original installation CD. If you have XP this site may be useful:

http://www.wikihow.co...ows-XP-Without-the-CD

[The-HouseHusband]

Depends on who you are donating it to as to how thorough you need to be, if you can trust the organisation or person then just use the tools option of IE and delete all browsing history, then run a search from the start menu for all .tmp file extensions and delete them all. If you dont trust the organisation or dont know where it will end up then do a full format of the hard disk and donate as working but no operating system, safer still remove the hard drive and then donate it as new hard drives are cheap and you will be safe in the knowledge that no one can obtain any of your data.

[ChuckFickens]

boot and nuke the drive (securely wipe it in other words)

http://www.dban.org/

And then donate it without an OS installed and let the person you are giving it to deal with it.

[AlBags]

Or at least download Eraser and wipe the HDD after deleting everything.
Unhide system folders & protected files, and show extentions in Explorer/Folder Options/View
Delete all Temp Folder contents
Delete Favorites folder contents
Delete Temp Internet files

Switch OFF System Restore on all drives and reboot.

http://eraser.heidi.ie/download.php

Do a 3x scrub on Unused space.
When finished, Defrag.
That ought to be enough.