I admit I am not computer savvy, but I wanted to erase the personal/sensitive information on my PC so that I could give it to a family I know in need (for their kids). I downloaded eraser and "erased" all my folders and files (documents, music, pictures). I also erased the recycle bin. I deleted internet files (history, cookies, etc.) After that I did some "cleaning," uninstalling programs I did not think the new users would need. Then I defragged the computer. At that point it had a normal amount of used/unused hard drive considering my usage (maybe 40% used to 60% unused).
After that I wanted to be extra sure that none of my personal banking or other information ever floated around, so after that I erased the "unused disk space." (All the while I've been using the Eraser User Guide to help me figure out how to do this.) Then, feeling like I knew what I was doing I encrypted the page file (using a command prompt) (because I could not erase it - it would not work per the internet instructions). I decided to check to see what the hard drive looked like, and do some more clean up if necessary, and saw that the hard drive was now 96% full, only 4% free space! I don't know how or why this happened? And I cannot donate a computer if no one can download a thing on it! I cannot even try to defrag again, as that requires 15% free space.
Can I undo this? Can I free more space on the hard drive?
Oh - I might add that I cannot reformat, I dont think, because I lost the recovery disk. I tried to ask HP for another one, but as the computer is over 5 years old, HP said it no longer has this disk.
Please please help!
Thank you!
After that I wanted to be extra sure that none of my personal banking or other information ever floated around, so after that I erased the "unused disk space." (All the while I've been using the Eraser User Guide to help me figure out how to do this.) Then, feeling like I knew what I was doing I encrypted the page file (using a command prompt) (because I could not erase it - it would not work per the internet instructions). I decided to check to see what the hard drive looked like, and do some more clean up if necessary, and saw that the hard drive was now 96% full, only 4% free space! I don't know how or why this happened? And I cannot donate a computer if no one can download a thing on it! I cannot even try to defrag again, as that requires 15% free space.
Can I undo this? Can I free more space on the hard drive?
Oh - I might add that I cannot reformat, I dont think, because I lost the recovery disk. I tried to ask HP for another one, but as the computer is over 5 years old, HP said it no longer has this disk.
Please please help!
Thank you!