Techie question on erasing hard drives.

[sarren]

We have a very old, very slow PC which, as we have been unable to find a loving home for it, is going to taken to a Recycling Facility*.


Is there a way to zap all of the data off of it permanently? Violence is an option I'm comfortable with.




*That's possibly a euphemism for the tip..

Comments

[strangedave.livejournal.com]

Yes. A lot of software that allows for reformatting of hard drives will also have a 'no, really, erase this to the best of your ability' option. The problem is that such software can't simply run on the drive that its erasing, so you generally either need software that starts up from a CD, or to take the drive out and put it in another machine (or an external case). The other issue is that such software can take quite a while to run - often hours.

Realistically, if you commit take the drive out and commit violence to the disk itself, while it might be theoretically possible for disk repair places to get some data off it if the violence isn't too extreme, in practice is almost always going to be far too expensive for anyone to bother.

[bardiegrub.livejournal.com]

I have boot and nuke on a thumb drive, which you can borrow. I think I also have it on a CD at work if that's easier for you.

[sarren.livejournal.com]

OH, awesome, thank you! Are you coming tomorrow? I thought I saw hints that you were! Because it would be great to see you!

If not, could you give it to zebra363 for me? I promise to return it very promptly. I will appoint Zebra to ensure I return it promptly (since you have no reason to trust my promise to return things!)

[bardiegrub.livejournal.com]

I will be there tomorrow and I'll try to remember to bring the thumb drive.

[sarren.livejournal.com]

Tnanks!!! If not, you can give it Zebra another time :)

[zebra363.livejournal.com]

I will appoint Zebra to ensure I return it promptly

This makes me feel like I have a useful role to play in the universe!

[caitlen.livejournal.com]

We have plans for our macs and my volvo to have a meeting of minds. I think this would also work for your PC.

[strangedave.livejournal.com]

Actually, unlikely to make the drive itself unreadable, so it could probably be salvaged. Take the drive out and hit it with a hammer. Ice-T shows you how (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qWhYlhfWCI)

[caitlen.livejournal.com]

Where do you think we got the inspiration? We're planning a video, which will include macs, my volvo, a hammer, and possibly kicking. It'll be a fun-filled afternoon.

[kremmen.livejournal.com]

A few seconds in the microwave will likely fry the circuit board. It is possible, but a big effort, for someone to replace it.

[sarren.livejournal.com]

I'd manage to blow up the microwave if I tried that!