My job has the rather grandious title of Technical Design Authority.
Basically I design Datacentre solutions for outsourcing contracts for ICL. I also look after the IT infrastructure of our database system, administer the databases, and look after the intranet website...
I used to be an MCSE, but that qualification expires on 31st December 2001 and I have never had the time to upgrade my exams.
Ok, all you systems gurus and all-knowing tekkies, I need help.
Since I have a new computer, I'm giving my old one to my car pool driver's daughter. Am downloading all my stuff that I want to keep. How do I wipe out its entire memory so she can't access my charge account numbers and other personal data both in email and hard drive? I think I can find the original CDs that came with it. It is a generic clone from Computer City, Windows 95, 400 mhz.
I'd like to do this as soon as possible since school starts next week. I know just enough about computers to be a danger to society and myself.
Yes, I need to leave windows on, don't I? or can I reformat the whole hard drive, and then reload win95 and the rest of the software that came. I just want to ensure all my private stuff comes off.
Removing and replacing Windoes is a good way to ensure that all the crap you have built up on the system over time doesn;t get passed to the new owner.
If you want to be that drastic:
1. Uninstall every single thing you can from the system. Delete every deletable folder that you put on.
2. Go to Dos mode.
3. Check that either a. the cd works in DOS or b. the computer can boot from a CD. If it can do neither (you'll need the DOS cd-drivers) then this is a very bad idea.
4. Deltree the Windows directory (this will take a while).
Re-install Windows using either the d: drive or booting from the Win 95 cd.
5. Present your shiny, uncluttered computer to your friend;s daughter.
__________________
"We've got maybe seconds before Darth Rosenberg grinds everybody into Jawa burgers and not one of you buds has the midi-chlorians to stop her!"
As the great and good Ush will know doubt tell you I don't have the best track record with computers and reliability so I will leave the tech questions for the experts.
as to the job: I am a Systems Engineer at Marconi in Chelmsford (Ihaven't lost my job..........yet)
I am responsible for may things to do with our trunked radio system, including being part of the call out team. on call 24/7 one week in every four. This can involve questions about anything from which switch to press to "Help the Suns have crashed!!!!" we use two Sun computers to manage the network. and me with my record........
Actually, you would need to delete the Program Files entry as well.
Assuming that you may have some work related stuff on there Keo, I would suggest a full wipe and reinstall.
If you have Windows 95 OSR2 release or Windows 98 then making a Start Up disk will give you all the correct drivers to run your CD for a full re-install.
KMC Community Forums
Aug 10th, 2001 09:19 AM
