Clearing a hard disk

haylingwriters · 19-07-2010, 05:57 PM

Does anyone know a good, quick and easy way to wipe a hard disk before sending an old computer to recycling?

haylingpete · 19-07-2010, 06:01 PM

Black & Decker drill, with an auger fitted - the Pantrees method.
4 minutes in an old microwave on full power - the Brainiacs method.

Hp

smeagal · 19-07-2010, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by haylingwriters

Does anyone know a good, quick and easy way to wipe a hard disk before sending an old computer to recycling?

Reformat the hd and it will erase the memory

haylingwriters · 19-07-2010, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smeagal

Reformat the hd and it will erase the memory

Just a format C: command?

MisterRotund · 19-07-2010, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by haylingwriters

Just a format C: command?

This will beat the opportunist but may not beat the expert. There are very sophisticated methods used to recover data now. I recently sent a PC to the tip. I reformatted the drive and then physically destroyed it.

Spacey · 19-07-2010, 07:01 PM

Diskwipe.org

Igor · 19-07-2010, 07:05 PM

If the intention is to recycle the hard drive, destroying the drive defeats the object but is probably the quickest and most secure way.

Try

1. Repartitioning the disk to a single partition.

2. Fill the disk with, well, anything. So it's this new data that is recovered.

3. Reformat, just to be safe.

About as safe as you'll get without destroying the disk. Can still be theoretically read by dismantling the drive and using a more sensitive read head, but unless you've been a very naughty boy, its not likely.

Added - Use Spacey's utility, it's easier and does the same thing.

leeway · 19-07-2010, 07:10 PM

.......and no ones bothered to ask what it is your trying to hide

Spacey · 19-07-2010, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leeway

.......and no ones bothered to ask what it is your trying to hide

somehow, i can't imagine HW as being the sort of person to have, ohh, i dunno - iran's nuclear weapons plans on his hard-drive...

haylingwriters · 19-07-2010, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spacey

somehow, i can't imagine HW as being the sort of person to have, ohh, i dunno - iran's nuclear weapons plans on his hard-drive...

Bank information, passwords, tax returns

19-07-2010, 05:57 PM	#1
haylingwriters Prized Member	Clearing a hard disk Does anyone know a good, quick and easy way to wipe a hard disk before sending an old computer to recycling? __________________ *If you are not outraged, you are obviously not paying attention!.*

19-07-2010, 06:01 PM	#2
haylingpete Prized Member	Re: Clearing a hard disk Black & Decker drill, with an auger fitted - the Pantrees method. 4 minutes in an old microwave on full power - the Brainiacs method. Hp __________________ "Friendship is like a tree... It is not measured on how tall it could be, but is on how deep the roots have grown"

19-07-2010, 07:01 PM	#6
Spacey Banned	Re: Clearing a hard disk Diskwipe.org

19-07-2010, 07:05 PM	#7
Igor Prized Member	Re: Clearing a hard disk If the intention is to recycle the hard drive, destroying the drive defeats the object but is probably the quickest and most secure way. Try 1. Repartitioning the disk to a single partition. 2. Fill the disk with, well, anything. So it's this new data that is recovered. 3. Reformat, just to be safe. About as safe as you'll get without destroying the disk. Can still be theoretically read by dismantling the drive and using a more sensitive read head, but unless you've been a very naughty boy, its not likely. Added - Use Spacey's utility, it's easier and does the same thing. Last edited by Igor; 19-07-2010 at 07:09 PM.

19-07-2010, 07:10 PM	#8
leeway Prized Member	Re: Clearing a hard disk .......and no ones bothered to ask what it is your trying to hide __________________ DISCLAIMER Everything i say or do. !


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