• ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
  • ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
Guidelines
Are you having HotKey issues? Click here for tips and tricks.
Check out our WINDOWS 11 Support Center info about: OPTIMIZATION, KNOWN ISSUES, FAQs, VIDEOS AND MORE.
Locked

‎08-23-2025 12:48 PM

HP Recommended

You're very welcome. 

Was this reply helpful? Yes No

‎08-24-2025 09:09 AM

HP Recommended

Hi again. I have a question that came into my mind yesterday.

 

About 8 years ago, I returned an all in one computer to HP within the 30 day limit. Before sending back, I contacted technical support and told the agent that I wanted to delete my data for security reasons. He researched and I think that he had me press one or more function keys. I remember that the screen said that it was "formatting" or "reformatting." He said that all of my data was now erased.

 

Regarding what you told me yesterday, I am wondering about this. Could HP have resold this computer with my sensitive information on it? I don't know if HP sanitized the disk once they received the computer.

 

Thanks.

 

 

Was this reply helpful? Yes No

‎08-24-2025 09:23 AM

HP Recommended

Hi:

 

Hopefully, HP has a sophisticated disk scrubbing software program that they use to secure erase drives before the PC is refurbished and resold. 

 

If the disk was only formatted and Windows was reinstalled, the previous data on the drive could potentially be recovered. 

 

I think you would have better odds of winning a $500 million lottery, than finding out  that your data was stolen from a PC you once owned years ago. 

1 person found this reply helpful
Was this reply helpful? Yes No
Warning
Be alert for scammers posting fake support phone numbers and/or email addresses on the community.
If you think you have received a fake HP Support message, please report it to us by clicking on "Flag Post".
† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the Terms of Use and Rules of Participation.
Didn't find what you were looking for? Ask the community
† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.