RE: Erasing private files from Windows XP.

["Scott Ramsdell" <Scott.Ramsdell () cellnet com>]

Yousef,

Keep your hard drive, the repair shop should have one they can test
with.

Alternatively, image your hard drive to external media, and wipe your
drive before sending it in.

When you receive your laptop back, reinstall your image.

Kind Regards,
Scott Ramsdell

-----Original Message-----
From: listbounce () securityfocus com [mailto:listbounce () securityfocus com]
On Behalf Of Yousef Syed
Sent: Sunday, January 28, 2007 9:01 AM
To: Security Basics
Subject: Erasing private files from Windows XP.

Hi,
Can someone please point me to a checklist of all the places that
Windows XP might store personal information?

I need to return my Laptop for a repair and would like to ensure that
no personal or client information is hiding anywhere.

I've erased "My Documents" and various other directories in the
"C:\Documents and Settings" directory; plus all directories that I
created myself.

I've run CCleaner to clear out all the Temp files, Cookies etc...

However, my experience of Windows is that it has a tendency to store
data all over the place.


Furthermore, does anyone have any policies in place for when corporate
PCs are sent to a third-party to be repaired?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
ys


-- 
Yousef Syed
"To ask a question is to show ignorance; not to ask a question, means
you remain ignorant" - Japanese Proverb