security of computer information>

[virgil37]

I am sending my computer in to repair USB ports. 

My concern is the HD has much sensitive information on it.  Bank Accounts, pass words etc.

How do I avoid this all being exposed to potential fraud.

Is there some secure way to keep technicians from gleaning security information off my Computer

Do I need to wipe it clean?

How do I reload everything without hours of work?

Is there a better way

Virgil

[IT_WinSec]

Hello @virgil37

Thank you for posting in the HP Support forum. Welcome !

Most technical centers do not guarantee your information will be safe - being it exposed to sneaky technicians or erased due to Windows reinstallation. In all cases your information (especially sensitive) must be gone from the HDD before PC is given for repairs. From information security point of view, an information is secure when its confidentially, integrity and availability are guaranteed. You cannot guarantee this by just giving the PC away with the sensitive info.

1.  Most secure way - create a back up and wipe it all (format the HDD) before

2.  Still very secure - use encryption software (full disk encryption) like BitLocker - available for free in Win 10 Pro and Enterprise (not in Home). Enable BitLocker and setup strong password for your Windows account. Do not store your BitLocker key in a place where it can be seen by someone. More info:

>> https://www.howtogeek.com/192894/how-to-set-up-bitlocker-encryption-on-windows/

>> http://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-bitlocker-encryption-windows-10

Step 2 may protect your data from being read/accessed but will not protect the data from being erased

3.  Erase the data/wipe the HDD and restore everything after service.

The fastest way for recovery is to use Windows "System images" to create exact mirror copy of your entire drive now and use this copy to restore the PC after it is returned from service.  You will need external HDD like USB HDD.

More info and how to:

>> https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/5495-create-system-image-windows-10-a.html

>> https://support.hp.com/rs-en/document/c03544793

If you decide to go with route 1 or 3 and if you do not know how to format your entire HDD

or

if something is not clear, please let me know.

Provide your feedback. Do not hesitate to post again.