Old computers

C2 RIBS · 25 October 2011, 06:42

I have recently upgraded with a new office computer and also a laptop. Now I need to get rid of the old items and before I do I want to clear the whole history to make sure no info leaves with them. Is there a simple way to clear hard drive etc or do I just smash it up?
Both were running on internet explorer

If I know I have cleared records etc I would try to find a charity to give to.

chris.moody · 25 October 2011, 07:33

You need a program to securely wipe your data, as if you just delete it and empty the recycle bin it is still recoverable. The link below shows some good program's that will securely erase the data, and they are all free.

http://www.techsupportalert.com/best...se-utility.htm

Don't forget to wipe the disk free space as well as securely deleting your data folders. Also some of the data folders are not easy to find (e.g. Outlook pst files).

Chris

martini · 25 October 2011, 08:33

I smashed mine up with a sledge hammer then torched it with the oxy-acetylene. I'm pretty sure the data is now non recoverable

And being the last windows pc I ever bought before switching to mac it was a very therapeutic exercise, felt much better afterwards

Erin · 25 October 2011, 11:21

Unless you are wanting to pass the computer on with a fully working operating system, then the easiest thing to do is pull out the hard drive and smash that. It's cheap and easy to put a new hard drive in and let the new owner load whatever software they will want.

SPR · 25 October 2011, 11:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erin

Unless you are wanting to pass the computer on with a fully working operating system, then the easiest thing to do is pull out the hard drive and smash that. It's cheap and easy to put a new hard drive in and let the new owner load whatever software they will want.

the only secure way ... a six inch nail through the hard drive case! or smash to pieces with big hammer.

S.

jezza2011 · 25 October 2011, 12:06

Or you could just boot off cd and format the drive. unless your in MI6 your not going to get the data back.
then do a full install.

Many large compaines smash the disks up But I used to remove the HDD cover plate and trash the platers.
But for a home computer a format and a re-install will erase anything you had there before.

willk · 25 October 2011, 14:12

I had this debate with meh IT consultant recently (Thanks DD, btw). I store fairly sensitive personal data belonging to thousands of clients on multiple PCs. The consensus was that there is NO secure erasing technique - it just depends how badly someone wants your data.

The odds are it's not too important and no-one wants it. So the kid next door can't get it, and the NSA/GCHQ don't want it. However, I have a duty of care to make sure no-one gets it, so out came the pick and 10lb sledge and 10 HDD's went "blam".

Wear eye protection

Leapy · 25 October 2011, 14:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

So the kid next door can't get it...

Tis a life of blissful ignorance we all live in...check some of the ages HERE

C2 RIBS · 25 October 2011, 14:36

Cheers for all the help. I have removed hard drives and will enjoy smashing them, the computer man who did all my gear has said this is the only way to ensure everything is safe.

willk · 25 October 2011, 14:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by C2 RIBS

will enjoy smashing them...

Maybe. I was surprised by how tough they were. After #6 I was flagging

Leapy: Better class of nippers round here!

Edit: ...or thicker, p'raps!

boristhebold · 25 October 2011, 16:15

I have a lot of experience in IT Security, two suggestions, first one buy a disk wiping software tool with a decent level of bit wiping and perform the operation several times, second option is use a hammer and make sure you smash the internal magnetic disk to bits, you will probably need to take hard disk apart to get to the disk. Second option is cheaper and more fun and more secure.

Leapy · 25 October 2011, 19:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

Edit: ...or thicker, p'raps!

Never underestimate yoof :-)

Bigmuz7 · 25 October 2011, 19:49

Well you can vary the method .. but the objectives the same .. they make a nice 300Yd target for a 7.62mm

Chris · 25 October 2011, 20:02

I do this for a living.

The best product for data erasure is blancco. THis has been tested by Qinetic and meets the UK IAS5 (Information Assurance Std 5) which is the standard used by the Government.

However if you really want to do it properly then I recommend our MOD approved disk shredder....

Zerkleinerung von Festplatten / Shredding of hard disks - YouTube

willk · 25 October 2011, 20:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

I do this for a living.

...and I thought you were a RIBnetter?

Chris · 25 October 2011, 20:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

...and I thought you were a RIBnetter?

I have to do something in my spare time

BogMonster · 04 November 2011, 21:14

A big f-off pickaxe works quite well as well.

I like that disk shredder, I could think of lots of stuff to put in there

willk · 04 November 2011, 21:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

so out came the pick and 10lb sledge and 10 HDD's went "blam".

Quote:

Originally Posted by BogMonster

A big f-off pickaxe works quite well as well.

I like that disk shredder, I could think of lots of stuff to put in there

Yeah, today, I can think of quite a lot of people stuff for that yoke...

C2 RIBS · 05 November 2011, 07:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

I do this for a living.

The best product for data erasure is blancco. THis has been tested by Qinetic and meets the UK IAS5 (Information Assurance Std 5) which is the standard used by the Government.

I cleared mine with a drill through the units and then smashed them. The old computers went to a re-cycle place in Southampton who tell me they also use Blancco. Whilst I was there Cunard had delivered their old stuff and left hard drives in to be sorted by blancco. Must be good to leave the drives in.