Posted by Mike Goodey on 6/14/13 5:24pm
Msg #473406

Laptops

Anyone have a sure fire way of deleting all information from a laptop? Mine may have a virus so I really don't want to transfer a bug onto a new laptop. Just want to make sure my personal info doesn't get to some foreign power in El Monte...

Reply by Luckydog on 6/14/13 5:55pm
Msg #473410

Just did it recently. The easiest way is to google "factory reset" on the make and model of your laptop. There will be information and probably a youtube video to do it, all are different. Just make sure to save on a memory stick all your documents, pictures etc before doing it. Then plan on spending the better part of tomorrow doing all of your updates, and add your virus protection, and you should be good as new. Then replace your memory stick back in and put your stuff back in. It took me about 12 hours with all the updates, but worth it.

Reply by sueharke on 6/14/13 7:20pm
Msg #473423

I backup my entire laptop using Acronis software, include sector zero, and back it up to a USB external drive. But since this is not the case for you, go get a program that "wipes" the drive of by writing over everything 7 time (a government wipe). Then reinstall the original software and all the key programs you have. I suggest looking at "http://www.komando.com/" and search for an article on this subject. She explains the topics on her website in human English, not geek.

Once you have completed this process, ALWAYS backup the computer harddrive. It only takes me about 2 hours to restore my computer if I had your issue and could not remove the virus.

Reply by ME/NJ on 6/14/13 9:22pm
Msg #473432

Hard Drives can be read even if the computer was on fire. Best bet to pull drive if you can and send it to be destroyed. I have half a closet full of old PC's and lap tops, one day I will have them destroyed. As for your info, the virus (depending what it is) has already transfer info and may of given someone access to your laptop every time you went on the net.

Reply by John Tennant on 6/14/13 9:29pm
Msg #473434

I pull the drive, heat it with a torch, and take a sledge hammer to it. It twists, bends, and deforms it so bad that it cannot be read.

Reply by Christine/OK on 6/14/13 11:11pm
Msg #473435

Yes, I agree with John Tennant's option.

I have used NovaStor Professional software and an external hard drive for about 17 years. I do incremental backups daily [~ 30 min] and a complete system backup weekly [couple of hours]. My tower PC crashed and burned before I used an external backup drive and it took me DAYS to bring everything back into operation. After I established my backup software and external hardware system had one additional crash and burn - only took 2.5 hours to be back in full operation!!

Reply by sueharke on 6/15/13 11:11am
Msg #473454

The last harddrive that died my spouse took it apart and removed the part that held data. Now I use it as a pounding board for odd objects. At least it is solid enough for pounding on with a hammer.