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Old 04-02-2017, 10:56 AM   #1
aem123
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Default what's the best way to wipe a hard drive

i'm gonna take apart an old computer - what's the best way to wipe the hard drives ie delete all the data off them?
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Old 04-02-2017, 11:00 AM   #2
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Sledge hammer and a tree chipper.
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Old 04-02-2017, 11:02 AM   #3
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Dban
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Old 04-02-2017, 11:12 AM   #4
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Something like this:

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Old 04-02-2017, 11:43 AM   #5
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Let my mom use the computer for about 30 minutes. Not getting anything off that hard drive after that.
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Old 04-02-2017, 11:45 AM   #6
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I like these. Streak free too!

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Old 04-02-2017, 11:46 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aem123 View Post
i'm gonna take apart an old computer - what's the best way to wipe the hard drives ie delete all the data off them?
Assuming your browsing history is that bad that you cannot have anyone else know what sort of donkey on donkey action your into then take the drive out of the computer and smash it with a hammer, put the remains in the garbage separately from the computer.
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Old 04-02-2017, 11:51 AM   #8
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I take a sledge hammer to mine and then take the carcass to a friend's local computer store for safe, free shredding.
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Old 04-02-2017, 11:52 AM   #9
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really big magnet?
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Old 04-02-2017, 11:55 AM   #10
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DBAN if it is working, if it is not I just take the cover off, disassemble and use as coasters, desk mirrors.

If you don't want to go through the hassle of burning a disc for DBAN, Hardwipe works well in Windows.
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Old 04-02-2017, 11:55 AM   #11
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You can unscrew the drive lid and take the platters out, break them up/scratch them.
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Old 04-02-2017, 12:50 PM   #12
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http://imgur.com/gallery/hxFwA
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Old 04-02-2017, 01:08 PM   #13
aem123
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if i want to get my old hard drives shredded, is there someplace in calgary where they will do this? - can i watch the hard drives get shredded? - is there a cost?
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Old 04-02-2017, 01:15 PM   #14
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There's places that'll come onsite and shred hard drives, but the cost would probably be unreasonable for just a few drives. Every time I've seen it done it's been dozens or more.

Just open the drives, take out the platters, and smash them with a hammer. I used to do break/fix hardware repair for some government agencies and that's what our official practice was.

EDIT: If the drives are currently working, using hardwipe or similar as suggested above before breaking if one is truly paranoid.

EDIT2: Moving to Tech Talk subforum.
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Old 04-02-2017, 09:07 PM   #15
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Drill a hole through it.
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Old 04-02-2017, 10:48 PM   #16
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Software clear the drive.

Then physically dismantle the drive and scuff the platters. A set of screwdrivers to take it apart should be $15 or less. Keep the magnets from inside the hard drive for a bit of fun or practical purposes. I've always been fascinated with the components inside an HDD. It always seems like the pieces could be used for some sweet craft projects.
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Old 04-03-2017, 01:43 AM   #17
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Throw in the outdoor fire pit
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Old 04-03-2017, 09:14 AM   #18
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Boot & Nuke it w/multiple passes

https://dban.org/
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Old 04-03-2017, 09:22 AM   #19
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Quote:
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if i want to get my old hard drives shredded, is there someplace in calgary where they will do this? - can i watch the hard drives get shredded? - is there a cost?
I'm reasonably certain there's a cost and it's not cheap. Most average people will not need a HDD shredding service. Doing a few passes software wise is good enough for most people. Completely dismantling a HDD and mucking up the platters is more than enough for Joe Schmoes like us.

You have to have some hell of a corporate secret/obligation for confidentiality or something illegal to really merit using a company to shred a drive IMO.
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Old 04-03-2017, 10:11 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hack&Lube View Post
Boot & Nuke it w/multiple passes

https://dban.org/
I second this.
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