It's important to clear all computer data before selling your system. It's not enough just to clean your cache and delete your files, however. Even a standard wipe of your hard drive may not be enough. Forensic software is getting better all the time and can recover data even on a computer that has been cleared.
Wiping a computer hard drive is different from shredding because it merely erases any stored information while keeping the physical hard drive intact.
A factory reset restores your computer to its original state by erasing all data from your hard drives. Since you don't want the new owner to be able to access the stored data on your drives, it is best to reset the device to erase everything on it.
As we've talked about before, you should do a few simple things: Wipe down the computer, clean out the keyboard, clean the screen, and pop it open to clean out dust from the inside. This makes the computer a lot more aesthetically appealing, and that makes it easier to sell.
So it's a good idea to take precautions and clean your computer beforehand. If you want to be extra safe, do a factory reset of the computer. Keep in mind this will wipe absolutely everything, so it's extra important to make sure that you back up any files you'll need for your last couple weeks on a drive.
To recover data after factory reset Android, navigate to the "Backup and Restore" section under "Settings." Now, look for the "Restore" option, and choose the backup file you created before resetting your Android phone. Select the file and restore all of your data.
As a factory reset takes away all your data, it is essential to Backup before the process. It usually takes around 30 minutes to 3 hours to reset, depending on your device configuration. Further, you can use Windows Backup and Restore or EaseUS Todo Backup for the same.
Resetting a PC could take 30 minutes up to 3 hours; however, it also depends on many factors. Like what storage device you're using, how much data is on your PC, and how many files you want to keep from getting wiped out. There have been cases where a PC reset took a whole day on extremely slow computers.
Windows 10
Click Update and Security, then “Recovery” in the sidebar. Under “Reset this PC,” click “Get started,” then “Remove everything.” When you get to the “Additional settings” screen, click “Change settings” and make sure the “Clean data” and “Delete files from all drives” options are enabled.
A factory reset, also known as hard reset or master reset, is a software restore of an electronic device to its original system state by erasing all of the data, settings, and applications that were previously stored on the device.
One of the most common causes for the reset error is corrupted system files. If key files in your Windows 10 system are damaged or deleted, they can prevent the operation from resetting your PC. Running the System File Checker (SFC scan) will allow you to repair these files and attempt to reset them again.
Your hard drive contains metals, plastics, and chemicals that can be harmful to the environment and human health if they are not disposed of properly. You should take your hard drive to a certified e-waste recycling facility or program that can safely handle and process electronic waste.
It's true that your personal computer probably won't be able to read a drive that looks like Swiss cheese. The heat from the drill might even cause damage that permanently warps the drive. But as long as there are intact sections of hard drive platters, the data stored on those sections is still technically accessible.
Perhaps one of the fastest and most direct methods of destroying the platter in a hard drive is to bash it with a hammer.
Go to Settings > System > Recovery and click Reset PC. When asked what you want to erase, select Remove everything. Choose Local reinstall to reinstall Windows from this device, since it will run faster than the cloud download. If that doesn't work, select the Cloud download.
But don't worry. You can back up all of your data before you do a reset so that it won't actually be lost. However, it's super important to understand that by doing a factory reset, you're removing all of your photos, videos, and messages from your device.
The second type of reset is a hard reset, also known as a factory reset. A factory reset removes all the files stored on your Android phone, including your data, and brings the condition of your device back to how it was when it left the factory.
Data loss: A factory reset erases all data on the device, including apps, files, and settings. This can be a problem if you haven't backed up your data beforehand. Device damage: If a factory reset is interrupted or not done correctly, it can potentially cause damage to the device or render it unusable.