Hard Drive Wipe

[Americano]

I finally broke down and did a wipe and fresh XP install (98° weather dictated some inside time) on my main PC and as usual it's like having a new machine. Wish I had the flash capability from the corporate days for the programs.

[Michael]

I finally broke down and did a wipe and fresh XP install (98° weather dictated some inside time) on my main PC and as usual it's like having a new machine. Wish I had the flash capability from the corporate days for the programs.

Yes, I like to do that once a year or two. Computers seem to need this. The improvement probably comes from wiping clean the Windows Registry...

[andrew45611]

I FINALLY got a new laptop and am so ready to get rid of my Dell desktop circa 2000, but one thing is holding me back: I have no idea how to wipe my hard drive to remove all my personal information.

Has anyone successfully accomplished the wiping of the hard drive? Is it hard? Can I pay someone to do it for me?

I tried Googling, but I just get a bunch of weird videos and no actual instructions.

Help a computer neophyte out!

[Americano]

I FINALLY got a new laptop and am so ready to get rid of my Dell desktop circa 2000, but one thing is holding me back: I have no idea how to wipe my hard drive to remove all my personal information.

Has anyone successfully accomplished the wiping of the hard drive? Is it hard? Can I pay someone to do it for me?

I tried Googling, but I just get a bunch of weird videos and no actual instructions.

Help a computer neophyte out!


Options:

1. Reformat hard drive (info can still be recovered)
2. Remove and destroy hard drive (common)
3. Purchase specialty software for that purpose

[dilettante]

Clearly you need one of these: http://www.technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?id=17007&ch=infotech&pg=1

Because nothing says 'reformat' like a 125 pound super-magnet!

[Michael]

Options:

1. Reformat hard drive (info can still be recovered)
2. Remove and destroy hard drive (common)
3. Purchase specialty software for that purpose

Yes, that's a good assessment. I normally separate the HD from the computer when disposing of it. HD's are easy to destroy.

[Americano]

Clearly you need one of these: http://www.technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?id=17007&ch=infotech&pg=1

Because nothing says 'reformat' like a 125 pound super-magnet!

Developed for the military to serve when hard drives need to be immediately destroyed in combat situations. I wonder what that cost us and how many Taliban are interested in field hard drive information.

[drgoodtrips]

I FINALLY got a new laptop and am so ready to get rid of my Dell desktop circa 2000, but one thing is holding me back: I have no idea how to wipe my hard drive to remove all my personal information.

Has anyone successfully accomplished the wiping of the hard drive? Is it hard? Can I pay someone to do it for me?

I tried Googling, but I just get a bunch of weird videos and no actual instructions.

Help a computer neophyte out!

http://www.dban.org/

Use this once for your purposes. Use it three times and the NSA would approve. :)

And, you don't need to pay. Just download it and make a CD (or even a floppy disk, probably)

[andrew45611]

Options:

1. Reformat hard drive (info can still be recovered)
2. Remove and destroy hard drive (common)
3. Purchase specialty software for that purpose


Thanks your advice is working.

Thanks again.

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