Disposing of old computer safely?

LynH

Is DBAN free. I've looked at the link and can't see anything. I'm frightened to hit the download button as the computer I'm using isn't the one I want to wipe.
Will the computer need to be online or can the programme be downloaded onto a stick on a different computer.
Thanks for your help

spud17

The computer doesn't need to be online.

The program has(d) two versions, floppy and CD.

Download and copy to the e.g. CD.

Check the BIOS of the PC to be wiped to ensure it is set to boot from CD.

Boot it up and the CD will load, instructions relating to IIRC "Autonuke" will be displayed, follow the simple instructions, set it going and wait for a looong time.

The CD can be kept for future use.

Marty_J

How about a Macquarium?

http://www.theapplecollection.com/Collection/MacAquarium/index.shtml

d900

the chances of anyone spending the time to find out what you have deleted are pretty small.
but i would still take a hammer to it and smash that little hard drive into little bits

if soeone was serious then they can still read whats on the drive regardless of what you do to it short of chucking it in a volcano but i wouldnt worry
take it out and keep it safe is always a good option u never know u may need something from it one day

superjaggybunnet

brig001 wrote: »

Out of interest, I bought a hard disk from ebay and found the previous owner's CV and a letter to his bank with account numbers, name, address, date of birth etc. Reading his CV, he was an IT consultant!!!

So you got the guys bank account details so what? They are on every cheque you have ever written!

What can you do with it once you have it?

BritBrat

Take it out put it in a caddy and use it for backup.

Marty_J

superjaggybunnet wrote: »

So you got the guys bank account details so what? They are on every cheque you have ever written!

What can you do with it once you have it?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7174760.stm

Leopard

Dropping old hard drives over the side of a yacht, or even a cross-channel ferry, when well out at sea, works. :rolleyes:

Naughty - but secure. :cool:

ormus

http://video.about.com/pcsupport/SecondIDEharddrive.htm

how to remove a hdd. just watch the first 40/50 seconds or so.

Inactive

Hard Drive out, 4 screws...lay HD on concrete, smash with hammer...sorted.;)