Selling PC dont want to reinstall what should I remove?

[AnastieByte]

As title says. Really not got time to do a full reinstall. Apart from running C/Cleaner, removing my programes. Anything else I need to do? Sadly due to work commitments a full format is a no go as PC neded asap

 

[Priapus]

All personal files, Internet temp files, cookies, page history ect. Games, programs.

 

[skanky]

what the above guy said, but personally i would reformat, what if there is a file you may have missed and it has some important personal info on it?

its not worth the hassle of saving 1 hour imo.

 

[DevilsAdvocate]

what the above guy said, but personally i would reformat, what if there is a file you may have missed and it has some important personal info on it?

its not worth the hassle of saving 1 hour imo.

I totally agree.

 

[Tute]

I also say reformat. There will almost bertainly be something you miss.

Sod's law really.

 

[basmic]

Have to admit, I'd be very tempted to run a hard-drive cleaner on the machine overnight, and even while you're at work for maximum removal.

Unless they're paying up for a Windows license, don't bother installing Windows.

 

[Stelly]

Have to admit, I'd be very tempted to run a hard-drive cleaner on the machine overnight, and even while you're at work for maximum removal.

Unless they're paying up for a Windows license, don't bother installing Windows.

I'm in agreement with Basmic over this... can never be too careful

Stelly

 

[Lysander]

Reinstalling Windows takes about 40 mins. You could do that while you're having dinner.... going down the shops, anything. Do a quick format too - you could do the whole thing in under an hour.

 

[Vai]

Have to admit, I'd be very tempted to run a hard-drive cleaner on the machine overnight, and even while you're at work for maximum removal.

Unless they're paying up for a Windows license, don't bother installing Windows.

I would do the same, I have used and can recommend DBAN:

http://dban.sourceforge.net/

 

[fumbles]

I would do the same, I have used and can recommend DBAN:

http://dban.sourceforge.net/

2nd... Just formating won't delete your stuff. You could have stuff left in pagefile, ie credit card info, or other identity stuff.

 

[basmic]

2nd... Just formating won't delete your stuff. You could have stuff left in pagefile, ie credit card info, or other identity stuff.

It's not a formatter.

Taken from http://dban.sourceforge.net/

Darik's Boot and Nuke ("DBAN") is a self-contained boot floppy that securely wipes the hard disks of most computers. DBAN will automatically and completely delete the contents of any hard disk that it can detect, which makes it an appropriate utility for bulk or emergency data destruction.

DBAN is a means of ensuring due diligence in computer recycling, a way of preventing identity theft if you want to sell a computer, and a good way to totally clean a Microsoft Windows installation of viruses and spyware. DBAN prevents or thoroughly hinders all known techniques of hard disk forensic analysis.

 

[Cosimo]

I would do the same, I have used and can recommend DBAN:

http://dban.sourceforge.net/

This is definetly the way to go.

 

[AnastieByte]

Ok then I will run that and do reformat. Stuff the time factor its not as you say worth the risk!
I am sure the answer to this is no but...

Is there anyway to back up drivers and service packs onto a disk to save download time?

 

[Burnsy2023]

Personally, as I have some very senstive data on my pc, I wouldn't sell the HDD. It would have a very nice 6" nail in it and would never have the joy of a read/write again.

Although a wipe with a random data writer will do for most people.

Burnsy

 

[LoadsaMoney]

All your porn.

 

[lloydsj]

Is there anyway to back up drivers and service packs onto a disk to save download time?

Yep.... google for 'drivergrabber' (no space in the middle). Its good too. Quick and easy.

 

[Steve Watford]

If someone else is buying it you shouldn't have to backup drivers or service packs. If they're buying a license from you then all they should get is the DVD(CD) with the OS and the cdkey it uses. Unless it is to a friend or family member or someone close that don't have a clue how to use a computer then drivergrabber is the way to go.

 

[AnastieByte]

Drivergrabber looks good but where does it dump the backed up drivers?