Simply deleting the partition and reformating the disk will not prevent data from being recovered. A reasonable job can be done by using a utility to write some values (zeros, ones) to the disk. Norton System Works has a utility on their disk, but I haven't tried it myself. I'm sure there are others, as well as freeware. The NOSPIN Group provides a monthly newsletter with great tips, information and ideas: NOSPIN-L, The NOSPIN Magazine Visit our web site to signup: http://freepctech.com