Harddisk question

breslau · Oct 26, 2009

Hi everyone, purchased a new computer and would like to give my old one to some organization that helps underprivileged children. It's a Pentium III 750 Mhz with a 30 Gig HD. I was thinking of removing the HD and trash it, but before I do this I would like to find out if there is a way of completely wiping all data so it canèt be recovered. This way I could give them a complete working computer. Thanks for any suggetions

Puppywunder58 · Oct 26, 2009

Yes, it's called a sledgehammer.:-D

Or format it from the DOS prompt.

augiedoggie · Oct 26, 2009

KillDisk works nicely too.

plodr · Oct 26, 2009

DBAN will wipe it 35 times. http://majorgeeks.com/Dariks_Boot_and_Nuke_d4596.html
I've used it on several computers.
You might consider installing some linux distro on it. A 750MHz computer will not be running XP or newer very well, and that is assuming the organization would have a copy of windows to install. It would be frustrating to use, I suspect. (I speak from experience because I have a 700MHz in the house and I just e-cycled a 566MHz computer).
I looked at an Ubuntu version with games on it, figuring I could give it to one of our elementary schools for the children to use if the teacher decided they needed a reward.

Digerati · Oct 27, 2009

I prefer Eraser - it has a GUI front end and uses DBAN technology.

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Harddisk question

breslau Private E-2

Puppywunder58 Master Sergeant

augiedoggie The Canadian Loon - LocoAugie (R.I.P. 2012)

plodr MajorGeek Super Extraordinaire Moderator Staff Member

Digerati Major Geek Extraordinaire