Will factory reset delete all my past files?

[Gotlander]

So I'm selling my HP Pavilion Windows 7 laptop and was wondering if Windows 7 recovery (which I assume is the same as a factory reset) will wipe out all files including documents and usernames & passwords.

If not how can I delete all private information?

Thank you.

[Jodomcfrodo]

I wouldn't trust selling hard drives that you've used if valuable information was on them. Take the old one out, grab a cheap Hybrid and reinstall windows on it. Costs more but could save you big time,

[Bloodyvalley]

The only way to make sure nobody steals your information is to break your hard drive (usually with a hammer)

[ducecake]

If you have a HD and not a SSD you could always plug it right in with constant power and DOD that thing to no end. 7 Pass Wipe should be good enough. Dont think to hard into it, unless the NSA has a reason or someone is after you I bet you are selling to the average joe and they will barely will have the knowledge to be super advanced. You will be fine as long as you do some form of low level format!

[Syntaxvgm]

A security Standard is 7 pass random writes. You probably would be fine with 4. I used to use a hardware device for this. If I were you just dban a few times.