scrapping a computer - what do I need to do to make it safe?

apprentice_tycoon · 22 March 2007 at 4:05PM

I've got a defunct old tower PC to ditch, I was thinking that someone from freecycle might be able to re-use some parts maybe? so I assume that to be safe I take out the hard drive but what do I do to make it safe? if I put in in the bin it can be found and used again so can I destroy it somehow? my best guess is a bucket of water for a week or two - good idea or not....

espresso · 22 March 2007 at 4:08PM

Take the hard drive apart and smash it into bits with a lump hammer.

apprentice_tycoon · 22 March 2007 at 4:13PM

Thanks, but I'm not a hammer sort of gal!

I was hoping for a less violent death for it....

Cricri · 22 March 2007 at 4:14PM

It's been discussed few times already.
In the freebies category, Darik's Boot and Nuke (DBAN) will do what you need:
http://dban.sourceforge.net/

apprentice_tycoon · 22 March 2007 at 4:21PM

Thanks but the computer is in effect dead already, it's virused up and takes 30 minutes to boot up so it's a bit pointless trying to switch it on again - it's a phyiscal destruction rather than a software destruction that i'm looking for

albertross_2 · 22 March 2007 at 4:27PM

the software to wipe it runs off a boot CD or floppy, so a virus on the HD is irrelevant.

Take it bits with a screwdriver, hammer, or drill, or just stick it in the loft.

apprentice_tycoon · 22 March 2007 at 4:29PM

OK, 30 minutes of mayhem with OH's toolbox awaits! thanks all of you.....

Cricri · 22 March 2007 at 4:35PM

Just wipe it and put it back in the PC. Might as well give the cleaned HDD away rather than shoving it in a landfill.
Check the different solutions offered by DBAN: they are very thorough, so once wipe, believe me, you are safe! You can always increase the number of passes.
And yes, it boots from a floppy. So if it takes long to boot or has a virus, it doesn't matter, the software doesn't need to access any of its contents.

missile · 22 March 2007 at 4:49PM

Submerge the HD in water and that should reder it useless.

bluseychris · 22 March 2007 at 5:00PM

Cricri wrote: »

Just wipe it and put it back in the PC. Might as well give the cleaned HDD

NO! IT CAN BE EASILY RECOVERED USING THAT METHOD! My advice is to keep it but if you must wipe it and be rid, here is the proper procedure.

1 - Get a DOD disk (search for DOD disk or Government Wipe). This erase all data on your hard drive by setting each value to 0. It will then go and set each value to 1. Then it will set each value randomly to 1 or 0. Do this 30 times. If you want MOD standard, do it 60 times.

2 - Take a vice and a really big drill. Drill a hole through the middle. A big hole!

3 - Now take the hard drive apart. With a really big hammer smash all the electronics. Take a circular saw and cut the platters (disks) into quaters.

4 - Get a plastic tub. Pour some concrete in, drop the remains of the hard disk in and pour some remaining concrete on the top. A plastic Ice-cream tub would do.

After that you can do what you want , see if you can reuse anything else in the PC or flog it. Personally I'd get rid of the new concrete block in a lake, or bury it at a land fill or something. Sounds extreme, but that's the most secure method.

nomoneytoday · 22 March 2007 at 6:39PM

I stuck my old one in with the cat litter. If someone is determined enough to go through that for 2gb of stuff then they are welcome lol

scrapping a computer - what do I need to do to make it safe?

Comments

Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

🚀 Getting Started

Categories

Is this how you want to be seen?

Get our FREE Weekly email full of deals & guides - and it’s spam-free