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Should I erase my data?

  • 25-07-2007 7:52pm
    #1
    hellosunshine
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3 ✭


    Hi

    I have to send my HP laptop to their Technical Support and I've been advised that they'll remove all data contained on it so I should back up. Anyway, that's done, but should I erase the data myself? There's nothing scandalous on there but it's my private stuff so I'm worried about any potential security issues. Any advice?

    Thanks


Comments

  • #2
    windy bee
    Closed Accounts Posts: 102 ✭✭windy bee


    They are most likely going to re-image your laptop meaning that all data will be erased, even if you delete your personal data there are ways you can get it back again although it is time consuming and I doubt very much HP will do this so if you want to delete your data, work away but remember that if HP see empty folders they will probably not look into them further but if you have data there, they will take a quick look, nearly all tech support guys do!


  • #3
    Explosive_Cornflake
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,133 ✭✭✭Explosive_Cornflake


    I would do it, for the simple reason, that, if they f??ked up and sent it to the wrong person or something. Just do it tonight when you go to bed, and you'll not have to worry then.


  • #4
    hellosunshine
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3 ✭hellosunshine


    Ha! Should've guessed as much - I guess I probably would too!

    Thanks


  • #5
    Black Swan
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 47,539 CMod ✭✭✭✭Black Swan


    Use CCleaner? Good for cleaning out the Cr*p?


  • #6
    mathias
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,174 ✭✭✭mathias


    Identity theft these days is a very real concern , sending any laptop away that may have work related / financial / or personal credit details on there somewhere is risky and you are putting your trust in the people who are going to have access to this data.

    Personally , I would try my best to fix the thing myself , if its a software issue , then back up , wipe the drive and re-install.

    If its a hardware issue , do the same before sending it away.


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  • #7
    Capt'n Midnight
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 93,599 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    to wipe the drive use this http://dban.sourceforge.net

    depending on what the problem with the laptop is they may not need to reinstall the software, so they may just be covering themselves.


  • #8
    Victor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 78,580 ✭✭✭✭Victor


    What happens if they remove your hard-drive and put it into someone else's machine? At least have the stuff deleted so people aren't given the inclination to go looking when they otherwise wouldn't.


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