Deleting files and emptying the recycle bin doesn't remove them: anyone with free recovery software can bring them back. Hardwired IT wipes old computers and drives properly, or destroys the drive if you prefer, at your home or office in Ottawa and Gatineau. We move anything you want to keep first, and can take the old computer away for e-waste recycling.
When you delete a file or even format a drive, Windows usually just marks the space as free. The data stays on the drive until something else overwrites it, and free recovery tools can often bring it back: tax returns, photos, saved passwords, banking files and email.
A computer you sell, donate or leave at the curb should have its drive properly wiped or destroyed first. Doing it right depends on the type of drive.
The best time to wipe an old computer is the day you set up the new one. In one visit we set up the new computer, move your files, email, bookmarks and printer over, check that nothing is missing, then wipe the old one. See new computer setup and file transfer.
We come to your home or office anywhere in Ottawa and Gatineau, in English or French.
Not sure if we cover your area? Call (613) 416-9482 - we'll confirm immediately.
“Stephane helped me restore access to my primary accounts, setup my account security properly. Configured automated backup tasks to ensure data integrity, and set up password manager as well as help with application installation. His expertise resolved many operatiomal problems.”
“Stephane is the best. My computer crashed . We worked together to backup and restore my data. And make it faster. I was so discourage before and now I am so happy. Price is very reasonable. Thank you Stephane”
No. A normal format or delete usually leaves the data on the drive, and free recovery software can often bring it back. A proper wipe overwrites or resets the whole drive so nothing can be recovered.
The option that cleans the drive is much better than a normal delete, but it doesn't help with external drives, failing drives or drives you want destroyed. We use the right method for each drive and confirm it's done.
We use the SSD's built-in secure erase command. Overwriting an SSD the old-fashioned way isn't reliable, because the drive spreads data across cells you can't directly reach.
Yes. If you prefer, or if the drive is failing and can't be wiped, we remove it and physically destroy it.
Your choice: we reinstall Windows so you can sell or donate it, leave it with you wiped, or take it away for e-waste recycling.
Yes. We wipe or destroy drives from retired office workstations and laptops, scheduled around your business hours.
A certified technician comes to you, same day in Ottawa and Gatineau. Files moved first, drives wiped or destroyed, and the old computer taken for recycling if you want.
Call (613) 416-9482, email info@hardwiredit.ca, or use the form for a free estimate.
Available 8am - 10pm, every day. English and French service.