When you delete files and reset a computer, your personal data isn't actually gone — it's just marked as available space. With freely available software, anyone can recover it. Here's how to do this properly.
Why "Reset This PC" Isn't Always Enough
When you use Windows' "Reset this PC" option, it reinstalls Windows but may leave data recoverable on the drive depending on which option you chose. The "Remove everything → Fully clean the drive" option is generally sufficient for modern SSDs but may not completely protect against forensic recovery on older hard drives.
For Hard Drives: Use DBAN
Darik's Boot and Nuke (DBAN) is free software that runs from a USB drive and overwrites every bit on the hard drive multiple times with random data. After a DBAN wipe, the drive is effectively blank — no file recovery software can retrieve your data. Write a bootable DBAN USB at dban.org and run it before disposing of any mechanical hard drive.
For SSDs: Use Manufacturer Secure Erase
SSDs work differently — overwriting data multiple times doesn't work the same way as it does on hard drives. Use the "Secure Erase" function in your SSD manufacturer's software (Samsung Magician, Crucial Storage Executive, etc.) which sends a hardware-level erase command that zeroes all cells.
For Macs
Apple Silicon Macs (M1/M2/M3): sign out of iCloud, use System Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Erase All Content. The encrypted storage architecture means a reset effectively destroys the key and makes data unrecoverable.
Intel Macs: use Disk Utility in Recovery Mode to erase the drive before reinstalling macOS.
Recycling Options in Melbourne
E-waste should not go to landfill. Melbourne options include: TechCollect (free at many Officeworks and Australia Post locations), local council e-waste events, or Computer Crew can responsibly dispose of old hardware as part of a new computer setup service.
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