Delete all user data / "factory reset" ZorinOS?

Installing Zorin OS
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Hi there! I'm considering gifting my Zorin notebook to a famiy member. However I'd like to start 'fresh' + remove all my user-specific settings + data. Is there maybe some sort of system reset method, or is it better to just re-install Zorin from scratch? :slight_smile:

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The simplest method would be to backup your /home folder including hidden files (if not shown, press Ctrl+H) to an external device, delete any apps that you don't want to be left on, then Add the family member as a user, but ensure they are set to be an Administrator. Setup a simple password for the user. Login as the new user then delete your user. There should be nothing of yours left.

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I would think, save the Data that you need and make a fresh Install. So, the System gets a fresh Start, too and there are nor old Files and/or Folders what maybe for future Usage could be problematic.

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I've since thought of a slightly different method. The first step, same as before. Next make an account called Test with Admin rights. As Test, add family member as a user with Administrator rights but enable them to create password at first login, then tell them to delete Test account after logging in.

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In a similar case, where I would not have control of the notebook in the future, after backing up/transferring any personal data, I ran DBan (darik's boot and nuke) on the notebook before installing Zorin Lite with an agreed password. Thus all old data was wiped off.

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But to save reinstall, here are some alternatives:

Delete Data Permanently in Ubuntu

To delete data permanently without wiping Ubuntu completely, follow these steps:

  • Use the rm command: The rm command is used to remove files and directories. However, it doesn’t guarantee permanent deletion, as data can still be recovered using specialized tools.
  • Use shred: The shred command is a more secure option for permanent deletion. It overwrites the file with random data multiple times, making it extremely difficult to recover. You can use shred in combination with rm to delete files permanently:
    • rm <file_name> (remove the file)
    • shred <file_name> (overwrite the file with random data)
  • Verify deletion: After using shred, verify that the file has been deleted by checking its presence in the file system using the ls command.
  • Consider using wipe: The wipe command is a more advanced tool that can securely erase files, directories, and even entire partitions. It’s available in Ubuntu’s default repositories and can be installed using sudo apt-get install wipe.
  • Avoid using rm -rf: While rm -rf can delete files and directories recursively, it doesn’t provide any guarantees about data security. Using shred or wipe is recommended for permanent deletion.

Important Notes

  • Before deleting sensitive data, ensure you have backed up any important files or data you want to preserve.
  • Be cautious when using shred or wipe, as they permanently delete data without providing any recovery options.
  • If you’re unsure about the implications of deleting data, consider consulting with a system administrator or seeking additional guidance.

By following these steps and using the recommended tools, you can delete data permanently on Ubuntu without wiping the entire system.

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