ADVICE/HELP: Reformatting laptop

I found some information that the vista i have in my laptop have recovery manager. So once I have the files stored into my external hard drive then i shall have the system runn a full recovery.
 
Ok. The model brand you posted Compaq Presario C700 is related to the the model below which has only shows 6 list of them. :shock:

» Compaq Presario C700 CTO Notebook PC
» Compaq Presario C700 EM Notebook PC
» Compaq Presario C700 ET Notebook PC
» Compaq Presario C700 LA Notebook PC
» Compaq Presario C700 T CTO Notebook PC
» Compaq Presario C700 XX Notebook PC

I think you should post the 3 things below to find the exact one:

On the bottom of your laptop on the left side and next to the battery component

* 1: Product Name
* 2: Serial Number
* 3: Product Number
 
JClarke said:
I found some information that the vista i have in my laptop have recovery manager. So once I have the files stored into my external hard drive then i shall have the system runn a full recovery.
Click to expand...

Good! You do that make a backup recovery system cd or to your hard drive then use the free Darik's Boot and Nuke software to complete clean wipe all of your sensitive data on your hard drive to prevent identity thief if you want to sell your laptop. Your identity and personal information is important!
 
JClarke said:
I found some information that the vista i have in my laptop have recovery manager. So once I have the files stored into my external hard drive then i shall have the system runn a full recovery.
Click to expand...

How's the reformatting going? Hopefully all your old personal details and files are no longer there.
 
I thought Jclarke is too smart and he know what reformat mean. Why bother to explain about dont forget to backup your files?
 
The Highlander said:
I thought Jclarke is too smart and he know what reformat mean. Why bother to explain about dont forget to backup your files?
Click to expand...

He asked for some advice so I gave him some.

The different between reformat and complete clean wipe sensitive data is...

If plan to sell the computer or laptop or want to get everything off track on the hard drive, then complete wipe clean of sensitive data is a must.

1. reformat your hard drive won't completely wipe your sensitive data. It can be detectable.

You can reformat your hard drive after doing a complete wipe sensitive data that way your important data and file won't be reverse and detectable. A thief can be anyone who has the knowledge or have the software which can reverse your hard drive to detect your sensitive data.
 
highlands, reformatting is the zero tolerance I have :(
 
oh it's Compaq... which is under HP.. HP has this policy that saves money. They don't give out resource cd. it's either partitioned in the hdd or available online. just go on HP/Compaq site and punch in your laptop serial # and then viola... you'll have bunch of software/drivers required for reformat.

and yes - USE WIPE SOFTWARE FIRST!
 
I have noticed some sellers on Ebay won't sell the laptop along with the used hard drive on it especially with sensitive data they have. They just sell the working laptop without operating system and without hard drive.

To me I wouldn't sell my laptop with sensitive data on the hard drive. I would first do the procedure I mentioned from the first post then I'll be alright with it.
 
The reformatting will occur when I move house first, SG
 
DeafPenPal said:
He asked for some advice so I gave him some.

The different between reformat and complete clean wipe sensitive data is...

If plan to sell the computer or laptop or want to get everything off track on the hard drive, then complete wipe clean of sensitive data is a must.

1. reformat your hard drive won't completely wipe your sensitive data. It can be detectable.

You can reformat your hard drive after doing a complete wipe sensitive data that way your important data and file won't be reverse and detectable. A thief can be anyone who has the knowledge or have the software which can reverse your hard drive to detect your sensitive data.
Click to expand...


I know files still here after reformat. That's all he asked for reformat.

Just replace the hard drive with new hard drive then sell.

I think there is need 5-10 times for wipe till gone and take lot of times.
 
DeafPenPal said:
I have noticed some sellers on Ebay won't sell the laptop along with the used hard drive on it especially with sensitive data they have. They just sell the working laptop without operating system and without hard drive.

To me I wouldn't sell my laptop with sensitive data on the hard drive. I would first do the procedure I mentioned from the first post then I'll be alright with it.
Click to expand...

This is why I wanted to have it completely clean and get rid of the senstive data so the laptop will be good as new. ;)
 
The Highlander said:
I know files still here after reformat. That's all he asked for reformat.

Just replace the hard drive with new hard drive then sell.

I think there is need 5-10 times for wipe till gone and take lot of times.
Click to expand...

Is it possible to get a new hard drive that replaces the current one? If so, then thats good I can take that quick alternative and then chuck the old one into the middle of the pacific ocean ;)
 
Here what it look like...

You got your billing statement from the credit card company. You read it and mailed check along with the coupon of payment. Then you threw away the statement papers in the trash and dumped in the dumper.

Here is your nightmare. The trash company or thief look through garbage trash and found your statement papers with some valuable information of you.

What reveals are:

1. Credit Card company name
2. Your account number
3. Your account balance
4. Your full name
5. Your home address

They use all the informations above to sell your record to the people or company that need it.

It's scary right? You bet ya.

How to prevent this is just shred your statement papers into tiny pieces by using the machine shredder. Bravo! Your sensitive data undetected.

Same thing goes for your hard drive.

Your hard drive may have dirty movies, personal data, bank statement, friend's email address, and etc... To prevent this from detectable, you need to wipe clean your hard drive.
 
JClarke said:
Is it possible to get a new hard drive that replaces the current one? If so, then thats good I can take that quick alternative and then chuck the old one into the middle of the pacific ocean ;)
Click to expand...

of course
 
JClarke said:
Is it possible to get a new hard drive that replaces the current one? If so, then thats good I can take that quick alternative and then chuck the old one into the middle of the pacific ocean ;)
Click to expand...

Yes. You can replace the old one with the new one. Also please don't pollute the ocean. ;)
 
JClarke said:
Is it possible to get a new hard drive that replaces the current one? If so, then thats good I can take that quick alternative and then chuck the old one into the middle of the pacific ocean ;)
Click to expand...

Remember I repair with laptops before. You can use your old hard drive as external hard drive. Make sure interface is correct. Right now I believe it's Serial ATA for your laptop.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817816001

external 2.5" is only $8

Just do it!


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DeafPenPal said:
Here what it look like...

You got your billing statement from the credit card company. You read it and mailed check along with the coupon of payment. Then you threw away the statement papers in the trash and dumped in the dumper.

Here is your nightmare. The trash company or thief look through garbage trash and found your statement papers with some valuable information of you.

What reveals are:

1. Credit Card company name
2. Your account number
3. Your account balance
4. Your full name
5. Your home address

They use all the informations above to sell your record to the people or company that need it.

It's scary right? You bet ya.

How to prevent this is just shred your statement papers into tiny pieces by using the machine shredder. Bravo! Your sensitive data undetected.

Same thing goes for your hard drive.

Your hard drive may have dirty movies, personal data, bank statement, friend's email address, and etc... To prevent this from detectable, you need to wipe clean your hard drive.
Click to expand...

Yeah, easy way -- burn the credit card papers, the thief wont be able to detect it in black smittters :lol:

DeafPenPal said:
Yes. You can replace the old one with the new one. Also please don't pollute the ocean. ;)
Click to expand...

I was only joking about the ocean part ;)
 
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