Computer Security & Viruses/wipe computer clean for donation

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Expert: - 4/11/2009


Question
Hello,
Can you tell me how to clean up my old computer?  We are donating my laptop and I want to be sure there is no personal info left anywhere on the computer.

Thank you,
Dar

Answer
Hi dar

Kudos to you for recycling the laptop and donating it to a good cause.  Unfortunately, too many old computers wind up dumped where the toxic components can due much harm.  Before you give it away, wipe the drive with the open source program Darik's Boot and Nuke.  Read more about it here:
http://www.dban.org/about
The download link is:
http://www.dban.org/download
The program creates a bootable CD, floppy, or USB, which will erase all data from the hard drive.
If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.  Cheers!

Brian

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Brian Benosky

Expertise

I will help you in eradicating malware and all forms of virus/trojans/adware. I can answer all PC-related hardware issues. I can also troubleshoot Windows OS errors (all versions) and other software problems. HijackThis logs are a MUST for virus related help. If you do not know how to do this, I have posted easy-to-follow instructions on the Ask a Question page. Every computer infection is different, so I will give you personal instructions on how to remove the malware, not a 'pat' answer. You can be assured of a prompt, polite, and knowledgeable response in all regards.

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I have over 25 years experience in using, building, and repairing computers. I have helped over two thousand people here on AllExperts, with consistent Top Feedback Scores. Please look at my answers here: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Computer-Security-Viruses-1737/indexExp_84308.htm I am also a Top Contributor of General Computing answers in Yahoo! Questions.

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College Educated Self-taught Computer Skills

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