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    need to erase data

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by philly Dog, Sep 21, 2008.

  1. philly Dog

    philly Dog Notebook Consultant

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    Not sure where to post this but here goes,
    Since everyone in the house has a laptop I`ve decided to retire the old family desktop. Can any one tell me the best way to erase the personal information that is on this old desktop. I`m greatful for any suggestions.
     
    philly Dog, Sep 21, 2008
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  2. Gregory

    Gregory disassemble?

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    I like a program called DBAN.

    http://www.dban.org/

    It operates outside Windows (runs off a CD) and is very comprehensive.

    If you prefer something that runs inside Windows, I've heard good things about Eraser.
     
    Gregory, Sep 21, 2008
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  3. X2P

    X2P COOLING | NBR Super Mod

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    If you plan not to use it again a hammer should do.
     
    X2P, Sep 21, 2008
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  4. Gregory

    Gregory disassemble?

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    The hammer & nail combination might be more affective than just the hammer alone though :D :D.
     
    Gregory, Sep 21, 2008
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  5. Harper2.0

    Harper2.0 Back from the dead?

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    Or a strong magnet?
     
    Harper2.0, Sep 21, 2008
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  6. ressom.

    ressom. Notebook Consultant

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    ressom., Sep 21, 2008
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  7. Andy

    Andy Notebook Prophet

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    You can use Eraser to delete/bury all the folders containing personal info. (A 3-Pass DoD will be fine)
    And you can use GParted to delete all the partitions on the HDD.
     
    Andy, Sep 21, 2008
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  8. Shyster1

    Shyster1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    The best solution I've seen (also the most satisfying) was a blowtorch to melt the disk itself down into a puddle of molten metal, although the sledgehammer does come close.

    Unfortunately, the strong magnet won't do the trick, unless, of course, you've got access to one of the suckers from the LHC that just went online. :D
     
    Shyster1, Sep 21, 2008
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  9. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I'd love to see that...
     
    Greg, Sep 21, 2008
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  10. Shyster1

    Shyster1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I'll see if I can scrounge up the vid I originally found a few months ago.
     
    Shyster1, Sep 21, 2008
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  11. Bog

    Bog Losing it...

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    Or you could blow it up with a firecracker.
     
    Bog, Sep 22, 2008
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  12. Shyster1

    Shyster1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    M-80, perhaps? :cool:
     
    Shyster1, Sep 22, 2008
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  13. Bog

    Bog Losing it...

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    Black Cat :D
     
    Bog, Sep 22, 2008
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  14. Shyster1

    Shyster1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Brings back the good ole days - blowin' stuff up!
     
    Shyster1, Sep 22, 2008
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