Does reformating really wipe the disk clean?

If I reformat a HD before I give away an old laptop will it remove all
previously stored info? I know that simply deleting a file does not
really purge the file, but I thought that reformating truly wiped the
disk clean of all previously stored files. However, a friend of mine
has told me that those files can still be recovered with disk-reading
software, even after a reformat. If this is true, how can one truly
destroy all traces of one's personal info before "recycling" an old
computer?

GP
.

Relevant Pages

  • RE: Reformat Hard Drive?
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    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • RE: The specified domain either does not exist or could not be con
    ... fresh clean install of Windows XP Home Edition. ... reformat in NTFS a clean install. ... laptop and continuously getting the following: ... Please try again or consult your system administrator. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
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    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: XP Wont Run QuickRestore
    ... > w/my Presario 2710 laptop. ... > "An application has attempted to directly access the hard disk, ... > able to reformat? ...
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