How to properly clear a computer of history?

[latches]

Hey, my family currently has a few computers that belong to my fathers work and soon have to return them. I want to clear these computers of all records to make sure nothing problematic is found. One computer is a laptop and Ive clean installed it at least once. I dont, however, want to go through the process of clearing the hard drive and reinstalling windows so what is the best and safest way to go about this? I currently use Glary Utilities to search for history items and delete them but Im not sure if it actually does a good job. Im also assuming my dads work has no hardware ability to track information. The other two computers are desktop computers and require the same treatment.

I also clear temp folders using Disk Cleanup but is that enough? Let me know. Thanks.

 

[docp]

What I follow is put your own drive and use it.
When you have to return it, put original hdd and send it back.

 

[latches]

Well, its a little too late for that. We've already used the computer for quite some time now. How do I deal with things as is?

 

[tommylommykins]

I think it depends on what bad things will happen if anything confidential gets found.

I would reccomend applying a quick format and reinstalling the operating system in every case though. This will guarantee that there is no crapware running on the system.

It will also confidently guarantee that absolutely nothing from the machines' previous lives.

 

[latches]

I guess I could do that but I dont know if Id go through the process of installing all the drivers as I dont know what they are anymore and I dont think I kept the drivers from the last time I reformated. If I can just reformat, reinstall and leave it at that, then Ill do it. As for confidential - nothing really. I keep the computer clean and maintained but I dont know what might be hiding you know?

 

[docp]

They can still recover if they really want to.
Two options now,
Either put full format. Not quick format. Then. Install os.

Second option, put same capacity hard drive. And install fresh windows.

It all depends what data is it and how much worth it is for it being not recoverable.
If it's just some pron or some non job related, then safely dispose it off with full format.

If it involved some work. Related confidential info which you do not want your employer to Find, then new drive (even refurbished will do trick)

 

[docp]

Don't forget to put oem stickers on new refurbished drive....

 

[latches]

lol no, nothing confidential like that. No downloads of naughty stuff either. I dont torrent on those computers either. There may have been visits to certain not so work related websites but thats it. Im not going to replace the hard drive.

 

[razel]

One computer is a laptop and Ive clean installed it at least once. I dont, however, want to go through the process of clearing the hard drive and reinstalling windows so what is the best and safest way to go about this?

The best and safest way is zeroing the drive then installing Windows on it. Though I agree with you that it is annoying and time consuming. What'd I do is check to see if system restore is still on. If so just restore as far back and you can then run a free space wiper like BCDWipe or CCleaner. BCDWipe used to be free. It may still run as a trail mode.

If not then I'd still use CCleaner (from piriform) to wipe your tracks then still run the free space wipe. I know of other utilities out there (like BCDWipe) that will also wipe file slack space.

 

[latches]

Oh alright. I think Ill do that then. Thanks. Now if only people would reply to my other thread as much they did to this one. lol.

 

[exdeath]

DoD 5220.22-M 3 pass disk wipe is sufficient.

Whole disk wipe from a boot disk is the only way to be 100% sure. The company will likely want to reimage a surplused asset to stock company OS image and config anyway.

 

[tynopik]

does it have to be running?

just wipe the hard drive and return it

they probably have their own image or will wipe it anyways

 

[Bill Brasky]

Ccleaner is also a handy tool to have. It's free, and lightweight.