/ Completely wipe hard drive

Completely wipe hard drive

I am interested in restoring COMPLETELY my laptop to the original settings and erasing all data from the hard drive. Could you recommend any software that I can buy to do that? Any recommendations are well received.

Susan Keenan Restoring laptops and desktops to their original settings is accomplished easily enough. Many different types of software applications are available to assist computer users with this task.

Why Erase All Data from the Hard Drive

Since a great deal of sensitive data is often stored on a hard drive, it is important to remove it when you no longer need the data. Simply deleting files does not remove all traces of them. In fact, the data remains on the hard drive until that sector has been overwritten with new data. Additionally, too much data on the hard drive can slow down the performance of your computer.

Will Reformatting the Hard Drive Wipe It Completely Clean?

Unfortunately, technology has evolved in such a way that special software applications now exist that can restore data to its original state. Therefore, simply reformatting your hard drive will not be sufficient. That is why it is important to purchase special software that will remove the data completely from your hard drive. Rewriting the hard drive with random data, these applications destroy the potential for the original data to be retrieved.

Software to Completely Wipe Hard Drive Clean

Numerous software programs are on the market that are designed to wipe your hard drive completely clean. Which one you purchase is a simple matter of selecting one either by price, recommendation, or system requirements.

Norton’s SystemWorks includes a program, Wipe Info that is designed to clean the hard drive completely. OnTrack features its DataErase, which is designed for permanent data deletion.

Additionally, Privacy Controls, an application that is offered by ParetoLogic, is designed to erase all user tracks as well as shred data that you choose to shred. It features an ultimate file shredder that will provide a clean hard drive disk. For more information, visit the following link; Privacy Controls. Plus, free updates and support are part of the package.

How Can I Be Sure the Data Is Really Gone?

If you are a bit wary as to the validity of the claims that your data is truly missing, you can always conduct a search for the information with a reliable data recovery program. In fact, offers a free scan that will show you whether any data remains on your computer for retrieval. You can access one such program form ParetoLogic at the following link: Data Recovery.

Additional Points

It is important to ensure that any application you purchase is compatible with your operating system. This information should be visible in the details displayed online if you purchase a product from a web site. Additionally, the packaging of a product should include the system requirements in a clearly visible location. In the event that you do have files on the hard drive that you would like to retain, back this data up by copying it to a CD, floppy, or peripheral storage device.