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Thread ID: 83205 2007-09-23 09:04:00 How do I scrub my work PC of personal data? justinsg (11165) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
594244 2007-09-23 09:04:00 Hi there,

I am just leaving a job with a workplace shared computer. It is running Windows XP on a server which is backed up frequently.

The backups can't be dealt with but how can I safely clear my computer of files, emails, temp files and temp attatchments?
Is it possible to remove all traces of files so that the can't be recovered by the person who replaces me?

On this subject, are there other things that I should be doing to vacate my computer before I leave?

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Justinsg
justinsg (11165)
594245 2007-09-23 09:19:00 As far as I know, the only way you can get rid of stuff on a computer permanantly is to replace the hard drive .

But to do a semi ok job, if you are using XP, don't forget 'Disc Cleanup' . That gets rid of heaps .
supergran (108)
594246 2007-09-23 09:27:00 Is it your own PC?? Or does work own it??

If work owns it, can you remove whatever??

Or is nothing restricted?

If most of the things on it are disabled, you wont be able to do much about it.
Speedy Gonzales (78)
594247 2007-09-23 09:28:00 There are ways of wiping it beyond reasonable recoverable attempts but none of them would be something the owners would be too pleased about.

But if you just want your data removed but not worrying about the possibility of retrieval, then just go through and delete the stuff.
pctek (84)
594248 2007-09-23 12:47:00 If the Hard Drive is your desk top and not on a server - try and delete and then over write maybe with several music CDs, KenESmith (6287)
594249 2007-09-23 16:49:00 software.techrepublic.com.com

erase your free space
drcspy (146)
594250 2007-09-23 18:24:00 If you can get a USB thumb version of Spybot into your system, use the included SHREDDER to get NIS-quality removal.

A 5x shred is more than enuff! That's the default setting I think anyway.
SurferJoe46 (51)
594251 2007-09-23 22:28:00 Are you legally allowed to do so? If the computer belongs to your 'employer', all the emails, attachments, Word, Excel and any other documents, etc, are the properties of the Company. Not only the hardware (computer) belongs to the Company but all the works done are the properties of the Company as well.

I maybe wrong but that's the way I look at it. Could someone with a legal background enlighten us on this matter?
bk T (215)
594252 2007-09-23 22:48:00 The company must have an IT guy, can't you ask your manager or boss if they can have it done? Say that you would be happier since you have personal emails on there - unless you have been using the PC for things you werent supposed to be. Enigmur (10547)
594253 2007-09-24 11:25:00 Are you legally allowed to do so? If the computer belongs to your 'employer', all the emails, attachments, Word, Excel and any other documents, etc, are the properties of the Company. Not only the hardware (computer) belongs to the Company but all the works done are the properties of the Company as well.

I maybe wrong but that's the way I look at it. Could someone with a legal background enlighten us on this matter?

You are right.

Erase temp space -legit
erase temp you work files - legit
erase history - legit
erase -emails legit (but pointless as the email server will have a backup eh?)
erase anything else with care.
If its needed for the "Job" or by the "Employer" then it is their property that can be deleted with their permission or knowledge only.

Erase what you need to and then clear the recycle bin, that will stop 95% of busy bodies.
If you maliciously delete things you can be held liable.
zcc (50)
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