How do I erase my personal info. . .?

Question

Before I sell my 3 year old PC, with windows XP, I like to erase all my personal information (bill payments, credit card numbers, bank statements, e-mails, etc.).

Could some one tell me how I would go about it, systematically and step by step?

Or is there a website where I might be able to find this information?

Thanks

Answer 1

Most users delete files through the Recycle Bin and Windows merely removes the reference to these files. This tool allows you to shred files and folders beyond recovery and also has an option to ‘Shred Free Disk Space’ which will overwrite ALL items previously deleted through the Recycle Bin without damaging any files or folders on the drive.

If you wish to remove items that have been deleted via the Recycle Bin or to remove other sensitive/personal information use a free File Shredder:

http://www.download.com/File-Shredder/30...

Tutorial:

http://cotojo.wordpress.com/2008/05/27/f...

Answer 2

you could make a nuke disk easiest way to do it

go to

http://www.webroot.com/En_US/consumer-pr...

right side of screen will be a link you click that says download free trial click it download it once it is downloaded click the tab that says system eraser directions are self explanatory from there, I used this when i was donating some old Pc's to a charity thing we had locally about a year ago and it works great