How should I erase my hard drive before I give it away?

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To erase the data on my old hard drives, I strip out the hard drive from the computer and then use a screwdriver to open the hard-drive case. I then light up my acetylene torch and cook the actual platter.

Within a few moments, it's melted and virtually destroyed. I can't believe for a second that any data is still there.

I also have a giant magnet that weighs about 20 pounds. I've often wondered what might happen if I put it in contact with the platter.

Yep, like I said in this article, I'm partial to a drill press myself. (Though I recently posted a new article recommending DBAN - Darik's Boot And Nuke, a tool for securely erasing hard drive contents without actually destroying the drive.

(BTW: Tim's a friend, and posts less destructive home-improvement tips over at Ask The Builder.)

- Leo
10-Dec-2008

Posted by: Tim Carter at December 9, 2008 8:28 AM

DBAN works well but has limits too.. here is a good versus article. DBAN Versus Wipedrive

Posted by: Kilroy at January 5, 2009 10:06 AM

I have gone to c:\ and put in "format/u". It keeps telling me I have wrong or missing parameters... Please help I am trying to erase a hard drive so that I may give the computer to someone else. Thanks

You must tell it what drive to format: "Format D: /u" for example.

- Leo
19-Jan-2009

Posted by: sandy at January 18, 2009 12:39 PM

Does formatting the hard-drive during reinstallation of the operating system via the original CD (vista or XP) adequately erase the HD

Depends on what you consider "adequate". I consider it enough, as long as it's not a "quick" format.

- Leo
06-Feb-2009

Posted by: Barrh at February 3, 2009 11:13 AM

Hi! I have a failing external hard drive that I want to give to a local computer recycling center. I want to do this safely and I'm wondering if I can use a bulk eraser - the kind that radio stations used to use to erase reels of audio tape? Thanks.

I wouldn't. The hard disk media is more protected - by its case if nothing else - than bulk audio tape. Those magnets are still not strong enough to penetrate the case and layers of platters in the drive.

- Leo
17-Mar-2009

Posted by: Sethgo at March 16, 2009 5:58 PM

I would advise degaussing the drive. After all it is a magnetic storage device. Had a quick google read more here...

http://www.pureplanetrecycling.co.uk/data-destruction.htm

I would not rely on degaussing. Do it, that's fine, but it's notoriously unreliable unless you've got a truly industrial strength degausser. Better to run software to clear the disk first.

- Leo
12-Jun-2009

Posted by: James Lloyd at June 11, 2009 11:54 AM

Try using WipeDrive - software which erases all data on your storage devices.

Posted by: Doug Nichols at August 7, 2009 3:28 PM

Dear Leo,
Great info here about wiping a drive. I've got two older HP laptops I'd like to sell, but they don't work, so I have to either sell 'em without the HD, or wipe the drives by other means. I have access to some huge magnets (think "MRI")and I'll do it that way. I know it might not be enough, and I know that I won't even be able to know that, but I'll take the risk (I'm not too paranoid)
My question: Assuming I can successfully scramble the drive, should that drive be able to be reformated by the new owner?

Thanks!
Ed

Posted by: Ed at August 27, 2009 5:03 AM

Now that I have erased my HDD how do I get the new OS to install?
When I insert the Windows or Linux install disc, it gives disc error and will not load. I have used a partition floppy to install a MBR partition but the OS will not start.

Posted by: Jeff at September 4, 2009 1:52 PM

I am trying to wipe my hard drive as i have a worm and my comp is shutting down every half hour or so i tried to format it and reboot from windows disc but nothing works i have tried webroot washer also but nothing seems to boot when i switch on can you help please

Posted by: Brian at October 7, 2009 4:26 PM

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