My OLD desktop is dead- NOT WORKING at all. How can I wipe out the HD on the old computer before donating it?
2006-07-27 07:46:46 · 9 answers · asked by MagPookie 4 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
I don't have another computer to install it in. My only computer now is a laptop.
2006-07-27 07:51:09 · update #1
It depends on how old the HD is, and if the pc is dead because of the HD.
If the HD is old or the pc died because of it, you should probably get rid of the HD and buy a new one.
If it's relatively new, then just download a hard drive software program that will make it easier for you to erase the data than if you did it manually.
Some good programs for this are SCANDISK, Norton Utilities, and Spin-Rite 6.
I think the last one would help you best : http://www.grc.com/sr/spinrite.htm...
2006-07-27 08:00:18 · answer #1 · answered by STILL standing 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your only choice is to install the HD inside another computer, then use a program to Securly delete it. Even when you simply delete the files, the information is still there. You need software designed for the purpose of securly deleting a harddrive, and you need to do this on a working computer.
(The idea of using a really strong magnet is a great idea, that would work even better.. but could make the HD unusable)
2006-07-27 14:49:31 · answer #2 · answered by boris 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
magnetic fields work well, but strong is the operative word here: take it to a hospital with an MRI machine; get the tech to zap it. it will cost you the price of a new mri but you'll be disk clean. more practical, xtract the drive; install as the only hardrive in a working machine;
have inserted into a cd read drive a disk with the program "boot and nuke" on it. this freeware program OVERWRITES several times all data on the old drive, rendering it totally unreadable. google 'boot and nuke" for download site. then BE CAREFUL with this disk: it's dangerous. make sure you clearly mark it as hardrive killer.
2006-07-27 15:04:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A giant magnet works pretty well (take the HD out of the computer before doing though....).
2006-07-27 14:49:20 · answer #4 · answered by shmifty__14 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Connect the hard drive to a working computer and wipe it off from there.
2006-07-27 14:50:01 · answer #5 · answered by NC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why in the world do you want to donate junk. Take it to a shop in town and they will wipe the drive for you professionally
2006-07-27 15:22:25 · answer #6 · answered by Anointed71 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy a USB external housing or put it in a working comp
2006-07-27 14:49:57 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
pass it between 2 electro magnets
2006-07-27 14:50:43 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take it out, put it on your current computer (as a slave), then format it.
2006-07-27 14:49:00 · answer #9 · answered by J.F.® 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋