reginap3,

Use one of the freeware programs here then reinstall Windows XP, drivers, and applications and you can sell the system with reasonable assurance that your personal information cannot be restored. Very high-end recovery systems can still find some of it, but the cost of using them makes them impractical for most users.

If you REALLY want to make sure, after you use one of the file wiping utilities that Denny suggested (great idea), remove the hard drive and subject it to a high strength alternating current longitudinal magnetic field, then soak it in kerosene for an hour, set it on fire, and after it cools off, pound it flat with an 8 lb. sledge, then take it out in a boat and toss it into the ocean (in an area at least 1000 feet deep).

After that, install a new hard drive (really cheap) and then install Windows, drivers and applications. Presto - squeaky clean!

the Hun