Forum Discussion
How to remove personal information from computer before selling
Hi everyone, I'm preparing to sell my computer and want to ensure that all my personal information is completely removed before handing it over to the new owner. I'm not very tech-savvy, so I'm look...
If you're extremely concerned about privacy and don't plan to reuse the hard drive, physically destroying it is the most secure option in order to remove personal information from computer before selling. Here is how to do this:
- Use a drill to puncture holes through the drive.
- Use a hammer to smash the drive (be cautious of sharp edges).
- Use a hard drive shredder for professional-grade destruction.
Important Note: If you physically destroy the drive, you won’t be able to use the computer afterward unless you replace the drive.
Additional Tips:
1. Backup Important Data: Before wiping your computer, ensure you back up any important files or data to an external drive or cloud storage.
2. Remove External Drives: Disconnect any external drives, USB sticks, or SD cards before selling.
3. Check for Cloud Data: Log out of all accounts and delete any synced data from cloud services.