Do you wipe a computer HD after you buy it?

Discussion in 'polls' started by AlexC, Sep 18, 2012.

?

Do you wipe a computer HD after you buy it?

  1. Yes.

    44 vote(s)
    50.0%
  2. No.

    44 vote(s)
    50.0%
  1. AlexC

    AlexC Registered Member

    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2009
    Posts:
    1,288
    Considering the recent news of computers that already come infected from the factory (https://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=332153), and also because of all crap that normally comes pre-installed in new laptops, it might be a good idea to wipe the hard drive before using the computer.

    For some this might be wise, for others just too paranoiac or hard-working.

    What do you think/do?
     
  2. philby

    philby Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2008
    Posts:
    944
    Always, doesn't take a minute and I can then shape things up how I want them.
     
    Last edited: Sep 19, 2012
  3. Noob

    Noob Registered Member

    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2009
    Posts:
    6,491
    I just uninstall apps that i don't need. :D
     
  4. Yes always wipe the HDD.
     
  5. guest

    guest Guest

    I never thought about it.
    But after you brought this up,
    yes, it might be good practice wiping a new HDD.
    Maybe it was sent back by a customer and sold as new.
     
  6. ams963

    ams963 Registered Member

    Joined:
    May 3, 2011
    Posts:
    6,039
    Location:
    Parallel Universe
    Same here.
     
  7. noone_particular

    noone_particular Registered Member

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2008
    Posts:
    3,798
    I wipe all devices/drives before using them, whether new or used.
     
  8. NGRhodes

    NGRhodes Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jun 23, 2003
    Posts:
    2,381
    Location:
    West Yorkshire, UK
    Yes, but mainly as a way to check for defects.
     
  9. Noob

    Noob Registered Member

    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2009
    Posts:
    6,491
    By wiping do you guys mean restore to factory defaults? :rolleyes:
    Or you mean completely formatting the PC and then reinstalling an OS you have?
     
  10. AlexC

    AlexC Registered Member

    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2009
    Posts:
    1,288
    Formatting the PC and then reinstalling the OS.
     
  11. noone_particular

    noone_particular Registered Member

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2008
    Posts:
    3,798
    For me, wiping means deleting all partitions, overwriting the entire drive with pseudo-random data, then repartitioning and reformatting it to suit my need.
     
  12. luciddream

    luciddream Registered Member

    Joined:
    Mar 22, 2007
    Posts:
    2,545
    Absolutely. The first thing I do when I get a new HD/computer is set the thing to slave, throw another HD in there to boot from, and use it to write zeros to every sector of the new HD.
     
  13. Kerodo

    Kerodo Registered Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2004
    Posts:
    8,013
    I usually just uninstall/remove anything unnecessary and use it normally until the time comes when it really needs a reformat, i.e. when something gets hosed beyond repair, etc....
     
  14. chrisretusn

    chrisretusn Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2004
    Posts:
    1,669
    Location:
    Philippines
    Yes. To remove unwanted software.
     
  15. luciddream

    luciddream Registered Member

    Joined:
    Mar 22, 2007
    Posts:
    2,545
    It doesn't end at unwanted software for me. To use an expression: "I don't know where that thing's been." I need to know, 100%, what's on the thing. And I only want on it what I choose to put on it. This is the only way to do that.
     
  16. Osaban

    Osaban Registered Member

    Joined:
    Apr 11, 2005
    Posts:
    5,614
    Location:
    Milan and Seoul
    Ditto. Although I might be more thorough in the future considering the latest disturbing news about factory infected machines.
     
  17. KelvinW4

    KelvinW4 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2011
    Posts:
    1,199
    Location:
    Los Angeles, California
    I just uninstall stuff because that would take too long on a "clean" machine if it was clean.
     
  18. SweX

    SweX Registered Member

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2007
    Posts:
    6,429
    It depends :)
     
  19. new2security

    new2security Registered Member

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2008
    Posts:
    517
    Never thought of new HD's from Seagate, Samsung etc could come with unpleasant surprises? I think the chance is pretty slim.
     
  20. Noob

    Noob Registered Member

    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2009
    Posts:
    6,491
    Nothing is perfect. :D
     
  21. roger_m

    roger_m Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2009
    Posts:
    8,627
    I only wipe a harddrive if the previous user has installed a different version of Windows than what was preinstalled. For example I bought a netbook where Win 7 Starter had been replaced with XP, so I made a bootable Win 7 Starter flash drive and installed that (with the original serial number from the Windows sticker on the computer).
     
  22. ProTruckDriver

    ProTruckDriver Registered Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2008
    Posts:
    1,444
    Location:
    "An Apple a Day, Keeps Microsoft Away"
    I never thought about it either. Looks like I'll start wiping the HD after I buy a new computer from now on. ;)
     
  23. wtsinnc

    wtsinnc Registered Member

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2008
    Posts:
    943
    Yes, I always wipe a new drive.

    Paranoid ?
    Perhaps to some, but remember the revelation a few years ago about 500 GB Maxtor drives manufactured in Thailand leaving the factory with installed malware ?

    I would much prefer being safe rather than sorry.
    In fact, being safe is my only preference.
     
  24. zfactor

    zfactor Registered Member

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2005
    Posts:
    6,102
    Location:
    on my zx10-r
    100% yes way to much junk installed from the factory. and imo just uninstalling it doesnt ever fully remove things.
     
  25. x942

    x942 Guest

    I run a single pass of DBan's PRNG Stream wipe with 3 rounds. Just to ensure nothing is there and because LUKS encryption does encrypt free space. I also wipe any phones I get and pretty much anything I can wipe.
     
  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.