Deletion information from the hardrive

hoagy

I have just bought a new computer and I will eventually dispose of my old one. I'm told that just rebooting my old computer to its original factory settings is not enough to erase all of my personal information as traces will still be left on the hardrive.
Is this correct and if so is there any software or downloads that will permanently erase all the information.

Hoagy

2Loose

Technically true, although recovering any data after formatting the drive and reinstalling windows would be hard work.

Darik's Boot and Nuke http://dban.sourceforge.net/ will clear the data on the disk beyond any chance of recovery, just put it on a Floppy/CD/USB Pen and boot the computer from that, then follow the instructions.

hoagy

Blimey that was quick 2Loose.

Thanks for the info.

2Loose

You're welcome (can't understand why I woke so early...it's not like me)

Altarf

Far easier, if you don't want the hard disk, is to take a big hammer to it.

Millionaire

Altarf wrote: »

Far easier, if you don't want the hard disk, is to take a big hammer to it.

Or you could get one of these

http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9934113-1.html?tag=cnetfd.mt

if your loaded that is.

isofa

Millionaire wrote: »

Or you could get one of these
http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9934113-1.html?tag=cnetfd.mt
if your loaded that is.

I bet a good forensic rig could still pull off some data from that drive, it doesn't do anything special at all, a large proportion of the magnetic platter will still be available, even if it's bent. Tests have proved it possible with fire, water and physically damaged drives...

Millionaire

isofa wrote: »

I bet a good forensic rig could still pull off some data from that drive, it doesn't do anything special at all, a large proportion of the magnetic platter will still be available, even if it's bent. Tests have proved it possible with fire, water and physically damaged drives...

I agree, I just saw the price tag and thought what a waste of money.

I prefer option 2 anyway.. Explosives, alot more fun, whether or not they destroy the data? who cares:D.

isofa

Millionaire wrote: »

I agree, I just saw the price tag and thought what a waste of money.

I prefer option 2 anyway.. Explosives, alot more fun, whether or not they destroy the data? who cares:D.

I know, crazy what people will pay for something!

Agreed, did I hear someone mention thermite?! :rolleyes:

spud17

We often use recycled and crushed concrete for temporary access roads to sites, I often see bits of HD in the loads.
The cases and platters are well mangled and virtually unrecognisable, good luck if anyone wants to try data recovery.