Wiping computer - recommended programmes that don't need a PhD in IT to use them

[Loueytb3]

I've got several computers that need wiping. I've done some searches and have found a couple of free programmes that have been recommended to securely wipe the data. However, they seem to be impossible to use for the average pc user. I practically need to train in IT to work out how to use them.

Can anyone suggest a programme that is easy to use??

do you need it wiped so that no one can ever retrieve anything from it? that will require aprogram that writes over everything.

otherwise, reinstall your operating system. that will rewrite the filing system so that the files can no longer be seen,but would still be there if someone really wanted them.

final option. if you are getting rid of an old hard drive and want to make it u readable, then take it apart with a hammer.

OP use dban www.dban.org/download works a treat!

I tried dban yesterday but it downloaded a load of other programs and I couldn't work out what had actually happened to the program I needed.

Yes - I want it overwritten. We used them for internet shopping and banking. At this rate I will be smashing the hard drives.

Free version of CCleaner. Click Tools, then Wiper. It then has settings for wiping all data or just free space and options for how many passes.

2nd vote on DBAN. You burn a CD with it on and start up with the CD in the drive. Follow a few instructions and let it mash up the harddrive over and over again until even the NSA couldn't crack it.

Ok - maybe I will try dban again and if not ccleaner.

Eraser

ccleaner will not erase your data securely. It's designed to make your PC work faster without losing any data. Lot's of personal data will be left.

DBAN is all about completely wiping the entire hard drive - including windows and everything else.