God by definition is the uncreated creator of the universe
Gene L. said:
Is there a way to encrypt all the files on my hard drive? I know my word
processing and spreadsheet files have a Microsoft Office option but how
about e-mails and other non-Microsoft applications? If not, what is the
best
way to wipe my hard drive completely clean?
Many thanks for your suggestions.
Gene L.
Why do you want to encrypt your files for?
I read the following from somewhere:
2. Reformat the Hard Drive and Re-install the Operating System
Reformatting a disk prepares it to accept a new operating system. It also
wipes out everything on the hard drive. That's your goal.
Past versions of Windows (through Windows ME) allow you to create a start-up
disk. You'll need one to reformat your hard drive. Click Start > Settings >
Control Panel. Double-click Add/Remove Programs. Click Start-up Disk. Click
Create Disk.
On Windows XP, you'll need to download the disk information. Go to
BootDisk.com and click "DOS - Windows 9X/NT4/2000/XP Excellent Bootdisks."
Download the Windows XP Custom Install Disk and save it to a floppy.
On all systems, shut down all open programs. Restart the computer with the
floppy in the A: drive. At the A: prompt, type Format: C. Answer "yes" to
the warning; you want to wipe out all the data. When the reformat finishes,
put the Windows installation CD in the CD drive and remove the floppy.
Restart and re-install Windows.
Reformatting will keep most people out of your old files. But specialised
shareware exists to reclaim files after reformatting. If you do not know who
will get the computer - or you do know and you don't trust them - stronger
measures are required.
3. Buy Software and Overwrite the Disk, Again and Again and Again
If you don't know much about computers, this might be easier than Step 2.
There are several programs that write gibberish to the hard drive. They
promise that nobody will be able to find your files after the software is
utilised.
Norton's SystemWorks includes an application called Wipe Info. OnTrack's
DataEraser offers a similar feature, as does Jetico's BCWipe. There are more
such applications on the Internet.
You can leave the operating system and other files on the hard disk, if you
want. These programs can be set to overwrite only the unoccupied areas. The
process can be slow, because they write to the disk repeatedly. You might
want to run it overnight.
4. You're Totally Paranoid, so Get Out the Acetylene Torch
I'm not kidding. The only absolute and assured way of protecting your data
is to destroy the hard drive. To do that, you need to remove it from the
computer. If you want to save the rest of the computer, touch the machine's
metal frame before reaching in. Static electricity can wreck the circuitry.
Unplug the wires on the hard drive and remove the mounting screws. The hard
drive slides out from the back of its holder.
The Pentagon shreds its hard drives. That should work, assuming you can find
a hard-drive shredder. I've never seen one.
You need to destroy the platters inside. Try smashing them with a hammer.
Destroying them with a torch should work.
Step 4 seems excessive to me. But you're right to be paranoid about this.
Identity theft has become overwhelming. Personally, I would use Step 3. I
believe in being careful, no matter who gets the computer.
God Bless...
Thanks for taking the time to write. I have been slow in reading the replies
but yours is very detailed and makes a lot of sense. I appreciate your
expertise.
I do not wish to appear mysterious because I am just an average old-timer
who is considering the purchase of a new lap top. I would like to donate my
present desk computer to the local school system but I do not want to have
some personal information "pop up" accidentally. It would be just
embarrassing - not criminal.
With appreciation:
Gene L.
