Selling a laptop. What's best way to wipe data?

[voltrader]

I'm selling an old laptop. I had it for a number of years so there are files all over the place.

I don't have the original installation disks.

What's the best way to erase everything but the OS, and ensure that the erased data is reasonably difficult to retrieve?

[encyclo]

Very recent thread on the same topic:

[webmasterworld.com...]

[voltrader]

Thanks -- just what I was looking for.

I LOL when I read photon's comment:

It really just depends on your level of paranoia. If you're passing your comnputer on to your grandfather, then just re-format the disk and forget about it. If you're giving it to a fifteen year old kid--take the disk out and smash it with a sledge hammer.

[httpwebwitch]

scrap metal yards often have a giant magnet crane [constructionequipment.com]. Ask if your local wrecker would come by and pick up your laptop.