How can I despose of an old computer and make sure the files are destroyed?

Answer 1

If you truly want to make sure no one can ever get to your old files and you plan on throwing the computer away (or preferably recycling it), then I would open it up and remove the old hard drive. Then put it in a plastic bag (to prevent flying pieces) and smash it a few times with a sledge hammer on a hard surface like pavement for maximum impact. When the hard drive platter is shattered, then no one can ever use it again. Have fun!

Answer 2

this is so simple
open the computer up. take out your hard drive and the memory chips, put the the memory in a baggy and put a little note of what type and size and where you got it from, maybe in the future you or some one will have use for it,
same thing with the hard drive,
do you want any of the stuff that's on the hard drive?? if you do, just install it in the NEW computer and trans fer them over, or just leave the OLD hard drive in the NEW computer and now you have more storage space
it is as simple as that

good luck
smile

Answer 3

well im not sure why you really wanna know this but here ya go. an experts will be able to recover files from any comp if left in tact no reformatting will do. you would have to open the hard drive and desroy the disk inside. and i mean destroy. no superficial damage. best if it doesnt even retain its shape. next in some cases in may be necessary to destroy any sticks of ram you have in side as well. just as a precaution. make sure you destroy the disk inside the hard drive not just the exterior of the hard drive no salt water i mean melt it prefferably. if you just mean wiping it clean so the next owner wont fuind it that just reformatt. use comand prompts and ente4r format drive c,, the it will ask for the name of the drive which in most cases is local disk but it can vary i named mine my drive for instance. then click proceed .

Answer 4

Take out the harddrive, which is where those files are stored. You can beat that with a bat if you really want to make sure no one could access it. You could donate the computer without a harddrive or take it to the dump with no concerns about your privacy being violated if the harddrive was out or you had beat the snot out of it. Have fun!!!

Answer 5

If the old computer is in reasonable working order, perhaps you could consider donating it to a pre-school or kindergarten... they are always looking for equipment to provide activities for their children. If it is not in working order, I suggest you contact your local waste management authority who will advise on the safest way to dispose of the equipment without causing any environmental damage.

On the subject of securely deleting files, go to http://www.criticalfiles.com/free/wipe-it/2.html and download the open source software "Wipe-It". This will completely erase any files that you don't want anyone to see.

Answer 6

A magnet wont do anything trust me me and my teacher tried that in one of my computer classes. Just keep the hard drive or like the some others said drill holes in it and soak it in salt water :)

Answer 7

go to the store and you can find a software program that will erase all the drives on your computer when that is done. You should be safe to throw it away or even donate it to a school.

Answer 8

Throw it in the ocean or salt water river. All files CAN be recovered by an expert. There is no hiding ALL information.

Answer 9

Remove the drive, pass a powerful magnet over it, and then beat the crap out of it. I've done it a few times.

Answer 10

format the entire hard drive, including the back up files if any. then donate it to some charity or people less privileged or else sell it in the market for a low price. otherwise just dump it in your trash can.