Computer disposal - security risk?

Rosemary1 · Post by **Rosemary1** » Mar 27th, 2016, 11:12 pm

Time to replace my computer. Will either sell or recycle. Does anyone have any experience with best way to be sure that all personal data is completely removed since deleting files alone does not do it.

There is software on the market (some free and some not) that claims to tha. Any suggestions on most reliable software for the job?

LoneWolf_53 · Post by **LoneWolf_53** » Mar 27th, 2016, 11:38 pm

Pull the hard drive out of the old computer, attach it to the new one and format the drive. Or beat it to death with a hammer.

Jlabute · Post by **Jlabute** » Mar 27th, 2016, 11:40 pm

He's not kidding :-)

Bsuds · Post by **Bsuds** » Mar 28th, 2016, 6:19 am

LoneWolf_53 wrote:Pull the hard drive out of the old computer, attach it to the new one

This is one way to move your files over to the new computer as well. Then use it for a back up.
Is it a desktop or Laptop?

Even Steven · Post by **Even Steven** » Mar 28th, 2016, 8:59 am

I like to use a nail gun to the hard drive prior to disposal to minimize all security risks.

GordonH · Post by **GordonH** » Mar 28th, 2016, 9:54 am

This is handy item to have, does the job.
https://www.google.ca/search?q=pickhamm ... fizPT_M%3A

LoneWolf_53 · Post by **LoneWolf_53** » Mar 28th, 2016, 10:22 am

Seriously if it's a desktop computer, any resale value is next to nothing anyway, so adding the old hard drive to the new computer makes good sense, plus you don't have to purchase any software to accomplish your goal.

As Bsuds said it makes it easy to move your files to the new computer, and you can format the old drive and use it for backup or whatever.

If you're dealing with a laptop and you don't have any files of value on it, it may be more cost effective to simply trash it as it would require some sort of adapter cables to connect it to your new laptop, cables most people don't have, and the cost of which could become prohibitive when compared to the minimal expense of a new USB external drive.

Bsuds · Post by **Bsuds** » Mar 28th, 2016, 10:52 am

LoneWolf_53 wrote:
If you're dealing with a laptop and you don't have any files of value on it, it may be more cost effective to simply trash it as it would require some sort of adapter cables to connect it to your new laptop, cables most people don't have, and the cost of which could become prohibitive when compared to the minimal expense of a new USB external drive.

Actually not too expensive on AliExpress for an external 2.5: Hd enclosure for less than $6.00

LoneWolf_53 · Post by **LoneWolf_53** » Mar 28th, 2016, 11:04 am

LoneWolf_53 wrote:
If you're dealing with a laptop and you don't have any files of value on it, it may be more cost effective to simply trash it as it would require some sort of adapter cables to connect it to your new laptop, cables most people don't have, and the cost of which could become prohibitive when compared to the minimal expense of a new USB external drive.

Bsuds wrote:Actually not too expensive on AliExpress for an external 2.5: Hd enclosure for less than $6.00

That is cheap.

Guaranteed for one use, or thirty minutes, whichever comes first, I'm guessing.

Bsuds · Post by **Bsuds** » Mar 28th, 2016, 11:11 am

Not much to the enclosure to go wrong. For that price not much to lose and worth a try.

LoneWolf_53 · Post by **LoneWolf_53** » Mar 28th, 2016, 12:35 pm

Bsuds wrote:Not much to the enclosure to go wrong. For that price not much to lose and worth a try.

True but just pointing out there is a risk.

I got a quantity of SATA cables a while back, and the price was attractive, but over time I've noted that they fail quite regularly too.

gman313 · Post by **gman313** » Mar 28th, 2016, 4:06 pm

I use the nail and hammer method

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