How to Delete Everything from Computer Windows 7

In today’s world, technology is an integral part of our daily lives. Computers, in particular, have become a necessity for people of all ages and professions. However, with the amount of data that we store on our computers, it is essential to know how to delete everything from the computer completely. Deleting files from the recycle bin or formatting the hard drive does not guarantee that the data is completely removed. This is where the need for a complete deletion arises. In this blog post, we will discuss different methods to delete everything from a computer on Windows 7.

Video Tutorial:

What’s Needed?

Before we dive into the methods of deleting everything from a computer on Windows 7, it is crucial to understand the necessary requirements. To perform a complete deletion, you will need the following things:

• A Windows 7 installation disc
• A backup of all your important files
• An external hard drive or USB drive to save the backup files
• A reliable data wiping software

What requires your attention is…?

Performing a complete deletion of a computer on Windows 7 is not as simple as deleting files from the recycle bin. It requires careful attention and caution to ensure that all the data is completely removed. Here are some things that require your attention:

• Backing up your important files before performing a complete deletion
• Choosing the right data wiping software that guarantees complete deletion
• Ensuring that you have the Windows 7 installation disk to reinstall the operating system

Method 1: Wiping the hard drive using Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup is a built-in utility in Windows 7 that helps you delete temporary files and other unnecessary data from your computer. Here’s how you can use Disk Cleanup to wipe your hard drive clean:

1. Go to the "Start" menu and type "Disk Cleanup" in the search bar.
2. Click on the "Disk Cleanup" option that appears in the search results.
3. Select the drive that you want to clean up.
4. Click on the "Clean up system files" option.
5. Select the drive once again.
6. Click on the "OK" button.
7. Click on the "Delete Files" button.

Pros:

• It is a built-in utility in Windows 7, so there’s no need to download any third-party software.
• It helps you delete temporary files and other unnecessary data.

Cons:

• It does not completely wipe your hard drive; some data may still be recoverable.
• It does not delete non-system files and folders.

Method 2: Wiping the hard drive using CCleaner

CCleaner is a popular data wiping software that helps you clean up your system, including temporary files, cookies, browsing history, and other unnecessary data. Here’s how you can use CCleaner to wipe your hard drive clean:

1. Download and install CCleaner from the official website.
2. Launch CCleaner and select the "Tools" tab.
3. Click on the "Drive Wiper" option.
4. Select the drive that you want to wipe.
5. Select the wiping method (Simple Overwrite, Advanced Overwrite, or Complex Overwrite).
6. Click on the "Wipe" button.

Pros:

• It is a reliable data wiping software.
• It offers different wiping methods to choose from.

Cons:

• It is not a built-in utility in Windows 7, so you will need to download and install it separately.
• It may take some time to complete the wiping process, depending on the method selected.

Method 3: Wiping the hard drive using DBAN

Darik’s Boot and Nuke (DBAN) is a free and open-source data wiping software that helps you completely erase all data from a hard drive. Here’s how you can use DBAN to wipe your hard drive clean:

1. Download the DBAN ISO file from the official website.
2. Burn the ISO file to a CD or DVD.
3. Insert the DBAN CD into the computer that you want to wipe.
4. Boot the computer from the DBAN CD.
5. Select the hard drive that you want to wipe.
6. Select the wiping method (Quick Erase, DoD Short, DoD 5220.22-M, etc.).
7. Click on the "Start" button.

Pros:

• It is a free and open-source data wiping software.
• It offers different wiping methods to choose from, depending on your needs.
• It completely erases all data from the hard drive, making it unrecoverable.

Cons:

• It may take longer to complete the wiping process, depending on the method selected.
• It requires a separate CD or DVD to run DBAN, which can be an inconvenience.

Why Can’t I Delete Everything from Computer Windows 7?

There are several reasons why you may not be able to delete everything from a computer on Windows 7:

1. Files and folders may be in use, preventing deletion.
2. Some files may be protected by the system, preventing deletion.
3. The hard drive may be damaged or corrupted, preventing deletion.

Fixes:

1. Close any programs or files that may be in use and try again.
2. You may need to take ownership of the file or folder before deleting it. Right-click on the file or folder, select "Properties" > "Security" > "Advanced" > "Owner," select your username, and click on "OK."
3. You may need to use a disk repair tool like CHKDSK to fix any errors on the hard drive before attempting to delete everything.

Implications and Recommendations

Deleting everything from a computer on Windows 7 is a crucial step in ensuring that your data is secure. Failure to do so can lead to your data falling into the wrong hands, which can have severe consequences. Here are some implications and recommendations:

• Always back up your important files before performing a complete deletion.
• Choose a reliable data wiping software that guarantees complete deletion.
• Make sure that you have the Windows 7 installation disk to reinstall the operating system.
• If you’re not comfortable performing a complete deletion on your own, seek professional help.

FAQs

Q: Can I use Disk Cleanup to wipe my entire hard drive?

A: No, Disk Cleanup only deletes temporary files and other unnecessary data. It does not completely wipe your hard drive.

Q: How long does it take to wipe a hard drive using DBAN?

A: It depends on the wiping method selected and the size of the hard drive. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.

Q: Can I recover data after performing a complete deletion?

A: No, a complete deletion makes the data unrecoverable.

Q: Is it necessary to use a separate data wiping software, or can I just format the hard drive?

A: Formatting the hard drive does not guarantee complete deletion. It is recommended to use a reliable data wiping software.

Q: Is it possible to wipe a hard drive remotely?

A: No, a hard drive can only be wiped when connected to the computer physically.

Conclusion

Deleting everything from a computer on Windows 7 is a crucial step in ensuring that your data is completely removed. In this blog post, we discussed different methods to perform a complete deletion, along with their pros and cons. Remember to back up your important files, choose a reliable data wiping software, and ensure that you have the Windows 7 installation disk before attempting to delete everything from your computer. If you’re not comfortable performing a complete deletion on your own, seek professional help.