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Resolved Question

Want to purge but can't open Windows

Apr 27, 2019 9:03PM PDT

I'm giving my husband's computer to Goodwill. He passed on in 2017 and it's just been sitting there. Now that it's going to be re-homed I want to make sure there are no important files in it to compromise my security. However I can't gain access to any files. The usual Windows screen comes up with the date and time, which are bouncing up and down, and there is no prompt to log in at all. Obviously I don't want to pay someone to get into it since I'm giving it away. What do you think I should do?

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Stewies_Mom has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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it would be better
Apr 27, 2019 9:11PM PDT

IMO, it would be better to reset the computer to factory or remove the hard drive. you can still donate the computer without a hard drive. They can add one as needed.

the problem with just deleting files is they could anywhere on the computer and it would be too easy to miss one. finally you might be able to access the computer by going through safemode if you have the user name and password.

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A factory reset is usually all that is needed.
Apr 27, 2019 9:13PM PDT

But if you feel the need, remove and destroy the HDD. That part is the cheap part and since it's being given away, they can get another.

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Answer
Your surest/safest method is
Apr 27, 2019 11:47PM PDT

To remove the hdd.
No one can get to files if there is no hdd.
No matter what software tool you use to erase the disk or reload the OS some smart person with the proper tools will find bits and pieces of old files.