Removing data from a hard drive ?

[stevewestern]

I am sure this is an easy one but if I sell a laptop how do I remove all my data but leave the OS intact ?

Also, what about a hard drive on its own ?
I don't have anything particularly sensitive but it would be good to know that everything was removed.
As always, thanks for any help !

 

[Swissy]

Dban is a really secure way to format a hard drive, and it's free.

 

[new2me]

I was asking similar the other day here steve

 

[neil_g]

if you want to secure erase data but not OS youll probably need something that will only erase empty space on the disk. something like "eraser".

 

[new2me]

does the wipe function in CCleaner do this? I noticed it's on my pal's PC already

 

[stevewestern]

I am glad I asked !
As neil g says, I want to erase data but NOT the OS on the laptop. Thank you yet again Neil.
For the other hard drives which will be sold alone I will use Dban.
new2me - I did see and read your thread but wasn't sure about the laptop hard drive which is why I asked and why I am glad I did !

 

[Mikesphotaes]

does the wipe function in CCleaner do this? I noticed it's on my pal's PC already

Yes, usually set to Free Space already.

 

[new2me]

Cheers Mike. That'll save me messing his PC up

 

[Shak]

Eraser is simple and easy for permanent deleting without having to be technical.