Hardware question

[brixtonbrood]

What's the best way to wipe the harddrives of a non-functioning computer (i.e. nifty little downloads that cover it with garbage are not an option) that is being taken to the dump? If I open it up and wipe them with the cat's magnet will that do the trick? or does the solution involve a hammer?

Comments

[truecatachresis.livejournal.com]

If the hard-drive itself is also non-functioning and cannot be rescued and wiped with software, I'd go with the hammer option.

[jinty]

Er, if the harddrive is non-functioning then why bother at all?

The hammer option sounds reasonable if you feel it's necessary to be 100% sure (eg because it's been used for a club or society that you've been the treasurer for & done the accounts for - which I think you've spoken of before?).

[brixtonbrood.livejournal.com]

I know it's a bit paranoid, but I'd be happier to err on the safe side, there's all my tax returns (both as employee and employer) on there, and the older hard drive probably does work, it's just beyond my capabilities to use it.

Hammer it is then.

[drpete.livejournal.com]

I find taking the drive out, then giving it several blows with a hammer and nail punch (or drift, or a nail even) does it in quite nicely.

[t--m--i.livejournal.com]

Take hard drive out, stick it in loft, take rest of computer to dump. Remember to take it with you if you ever move.... foolproof, then :)

[brixtonbrood.livejournal.com]

Ah, cunning, and tidy - that's what I've done, they're stashed at the back of a wardrobe.