Easiest way to delete everything on my laptop, but leaving Microsoft Office software on there?

Question by Louise: Easiest way to delete everything on my laptop, but leaving Microsoft Office software on there?

Hi,

I am selling my Compaq laptop and I would like to clear it of any personal information beforehand. Is there a quick way of wiping it clean? I would prefer to leave Microsoft Office on there though, and not have to re-install it. Should I do a clean up as well?

I use Windows Vista.

Thanks in advance.

Best answer:

Answer by Human Bean
Do a Google for

clear personal data from computer

I reckon it would be best to wipe (overwrite) the hard drive completely using the free KILL DISK or DBAN and then reinstall Windows and Microsoft Office so that ONLY THEY are now on the hard drive.

Just deleting files leaves them on the hard drive until the space is EVENTUALLY overwritten by new files. Windows just doesn’t allow you to see them.

Those deleted files can often be recovered using a program like the free RECUVA from the same people who make the free CCleaner. You can try it on your own hard drive if you like and probably see files you thought had gone for good!.

I mean you COULD uninstall all your personal programs, and then delete all your personal files/folders, and then use the free ERASER or CCLEANER to overwrite/wipe all the FREE SPACE on your hard drive(s) but it’s a bit laborious.

p.s. Using one of the full disk wipers on a large hard drive could take quite a few hours even with only ONE overwrite, but the program will probably give an estimate of how long it’s going to take when you start it.

p.p.s. Remember that even if you’ve been sensible and made a separate ‘D’ partition to keep all your personal stuff, and so that it won’t be removed if you ever had to reinstall Windows, – there may still be personal stuff like email folders etc under ‘USERS’ on the ‘C’ partition.

That’s why a total wipe and reinstall is probably the best option.

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