Regional news

My computer knows more than it should

Jan 10 2002

By Rob Brady, Liverpool Echo

AFTER Kenny Patterson's home computer was repaired by PC World, he was amazed to find he could access a complete stranger's personal details. The company had replaced the faulty hard-drive with a reconditioned unit, but had failed to wipe data belonging to the previous owner. Mr Patterson, of Aintree, was able to retrieve the banking details and CV of London student Alex Braganza. But he is concerned that he could have received a hard drive containing illegal material. The 39-year-old electrician said: "It is worrying. I could have ended up with anyone's hard-drive. I could have got Gary Glitter's old computer or someone like that. Story continues ADVERTISEMENT "I now have Mr Braganza's details on my computer. I have spoken to the previous owner. He is not best pleased." Mr Patterson's Median computer was bought from PC World in September for £1,000, but developed a fault just after Christmas. A PC World spokesman said: "We do occasionally use reconditioned parts. "The hard-drive should have been fully formatted which would have eliminated the previous customer's details. "Unfortunately that did not happen in this case. We have taken steps that will prevent it happening again." ____________________________ robbrady@liverpoolecho.co.uk..SUPL:

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