Secure drive wipe.

[Scarey]

Hi Folks.

Just purchased a new desk top and the missus had a bright idea to give my old one to her parents as it's newer.I don't think they would even know how to get anything off a drive ,but i'd feel like an idiot(and be eating shit sandwiches for years) if her mother pulled up anything TERB related or any porn.

I haven't really been able to think of a good reason to say no so my next task is to nuke the drive as best i can before taking it to the in laws.I'd prefer something free but i'm willing to spent some dough for something i know does the job securely.

I run CC cleaner now.Is there anything that will give a stronger clean?Thanks ahead of time for any information

 

[johnnyone1]

http://www.iolo.com/drivescrubber/

I had this installed on my last laptop... it seems to offer what you're looking for.

 

[jjz]

Try this.
http://www.dban.org/

 

[SkyRider]

Is it possible to remove the old drive and install a new "virgin" drive? In our office, we always replace the old drive with a new one and then donate the old computer to schools.

 

[WoodPeckr]

Yes you can replace the OEM drive with a new one if you don't want to bother wiping the old one clean.

 

[SkyRider]

Yes you can replace the OEM drive with a new one if you don't want to bother wiping the old one clean.

I'm pretty sure that is what our techies do. The only other thing is they then install an O/S.

 

[islandman4567]

if you're going to re-install your OS , why not just use the existing hard drive in the computer and re-format the drive and install your OS. The in-laws won't see any of your TERB activity after that.
Do you know how to do a fresh install of windows?

 

[SkyRider]

Do you know how to do a fresh install of windows?

How does someone do this? Are you allow to install the same O/S twice (assuming one still has the original O/S CD). If this is possible, can someone install the same O/S on a second computer?

 

[WoodPeckr]

You can install the OEM M$ install OS disc on the original PC it was registered with as many times as you want. It's when you try installing it on different PC M$ will track it down and treat it as piracy.

 

[Cobra Enorme]

i thought you could have one instance running at all times. just call microsoft and tell them your old computer got fucked up and you want to install it on your new computer. they'll green light your license on the new machine

 

[Anynym]

DBAN (linked above) is the recommended solution for nuking a hard drive.

 

[SkyRider]

just call microsoft and tell them your old computer got fucked up and you want to install it on your new computer. they'll green light your license on the new machine

How can Microsoft tell whether it is on the new machine or old machine?

 

[WoodPeckr]

Big Brother is watching you

How can Microsoft tell whether it is on the new machine or old machine?

M$ now probes your PC with 'validation checks' whenever you update your PC to make sure your M$ OS and COA match the correct PC.

 

[larry]

That's what I would do. Reinstall. If you bought a new drive, you'd have to reinstall anyway.

 

[Anynym]

M$ now probes your PC with 'validation checks' whenever you update your PC to make sure your M$ OS and COA match the correct PC.

Check the licensing terms for COA transferability.

For example, you're allowed to transfer MS Office licenses between different machines, but MUST delete it from the old machine before you install it on the new machine, and may only transfer it a maximum of once in 30 days (I think to a max of 3 times in a year). OS COAs allow a new install for a new hard drive, but there are limits on how much of the machine is "new". Because the sticker must be on the case (as a condition of the license), you can only do so much within the terms you have agreed to.

 

[WoodPeckr]

I've avoided all that BS with M$ Office, since switching to Open Office and Libre Office both FREE....