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Throwing out old computer



 
 
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  #31  
Old March 16th 05, 04:14 AM
John John
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Throwing out old computer

If you are going to donate or sell your computer all you need to do is
wipe the disk. Eraser by Sami Tolvanen is one of the best of these
programs and it's free: http://www.heidi.ie/eraser/

In essence what these wipe utilities do is write a series of zeros and
ones over all the free space on your disk. The wiping program can be
set to do the same operation more than once, that's called a "pass". A
3 pass wipe is usually more than enough. US Department of Defense
specifies a series of 3 wipes 7 times. One of the most secure wipe is
the Gutmann shredding sequence, 35 passes. You should be aware that
wiping a drive is a time consuming process, the bigger the drive and the
greater the number of passes the more time it will take.

I can assure you that with a 3 pass wipe no one will be able to retrieve
anything from your drive unless they hire data recovery specialists and
spend thousands of dollars, and even then they may recover nothing. I
can further assure you that with a DOD or Gutmann wipe no one will be
able to retrieve anything unless they spend tens of thousands of dollars
and even then they may be left empty handed with empty pockets! Unless
you work for the CIA or MI5 and have state secrets on your drive no one
would bother spending that kind of money trying to retrieve anything
that might turn out to be nothing more than emails to Grandma and a list
of your favorite recipes, if they indeed can recover anything.

Of course, if you're in the paranoia crowd then get out your sledge
hammer and don't forget to completely burn the pieces after you're
finished smashing, because these bits and pieces of drives can be
inspected with special microscopes and data can be revealed, best to be
thorough with this. If you're going to be paranoid you best be
completely paranoid.

John

najal wrote:

Which is the best way to eliminate everything from the hard drive of my old
computer?

Ads
  #32  
Old March 16th 05, 05:28 AM
Mike Hall \(MS-MVP\)
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Throwing out old computer

The ultimate accessory for any quality computer..

http://www.circotech.com/sucili.html

Any s******s from the cheap seats and I will never again disclose any
information regarding devices fitted to my computer.. please bear in mind
that magnetic BIC throw away lighters are as difficult to find as hen's
teeth..

I chose the silver finish..

--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/user

http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm





"Colin Barnhorst" wrote in message
...
I think the best buy is the T-shirt!

--
Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)
"Ken Blake" wrote in message
...
In ,
Colin Barnhorst typed:

Ken, here is an item everyone must have in his computer room.
http://dvdrewinder.com/index.php?mai...roducts_ id=1



LOL! Interesting as it might be, I think I'll pass, if for no other
reason than that there is no room for *anything* else in my computer
room.

But I'll pass your suggestion on to lots of my friends. ;-)

--
Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP Windows: Shell/User
Please reply to the newsgroup


In ,
Harry Ohrn typed:

I know many, many charities that will take 600mhz system.


Not to mention individuals. My wife runs on a 400MHz machine, so a
600MHz would be a step up for her.


--
Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP Windows: Shell/User
Please reply to the newsgroup


"shakey" wrote in message
...
Best to toss it after that, Charities do not want it. I have a win
95 machine and a Win98 - 600mhz chine and no one will take.
SG
"Hunter B" wrote in message
...
Open up the case and remove the hard drive. Close case and
replace screws.
Place hard drive on hard surface (outside is best). Put on your
safety glasses and grab your 20 lb sledge hammer. Now wack the
daylights out of it
so nothing is left. That is the best way. You can try a
scrubber, but is
your data really gone? Do you really want to take the chance? I
wouldn't.
Now donate your old computer to a good cause and get a write off
for this years taxes.







  #33  
Old March 16th 05, 05:54 AM
Harry Ohrn
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Throwing out old computer

Did you fit an ashtray into your CD-Rom tray?

--

Harry Ohrn MS-MVP [Shell/User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


"Mike Hall (MS-MVP)" wrote in message
...
The ultimate accessory for any quality computer..

http://www.circotech.com/sucili.html

Any s******s from the cheap seats and I will never again disclose any
information regarding devices fitted to my computer.. please bear in mind
that magnetic BIC throw away lighters are as difficult to find as hen's
teeth..

I chose the silver finish..

--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/user

http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm





"Colin Barnhorst" wrote in message
...
I think the best buy is the T-shirt!

--
Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)
"Ken Blake" wrote in message
...
In ,
Colin Barnhorst typed:

Ken, here is an item everyone must have in his computer room.

http://dvdrewinder.com/index.php?mai...roducts_ id=1


LOL! Interesting as it might be, I think I'll pass, if for no other
reason than that there is no room for *anything* else in my computer
room.

But I'll pass your suggestion on to lots of my friends. ;-)

--
Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP Windows: Shell/User
Please reply to the newsgroup


In ,
Harry Ohrn typed:

I know many, many charities that will take 600mhz system.


Not to mention individuals. My wife runs on a 400MHz machine, so a
600MHz would be a step up for her.


--
Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP Windows: Shell/User
Please reply to the newsgroup


"shakey" wrote in message
...
Best to toss it after that, Charities do not want it. I have a win
95 machine and a Win98 - 600mhz chine and no one will take.
SG
"Hunter B" wrote in message
...
Open up the case and remove the hard drive. Close case and
replace screws.
Place hard drive on hard surface (outside is best). Put on your
safety glasses and grab your 20 lb sledge hammer. Now wack the
daylights out of it
so nothing is left. That is the best way. You can try a
scrubber, but is
your data really gone? Do you really want to take the chance? I
wouldn't.
Now donate your old computer to a good cause and get a write off
for this years taxes.








  #34  
Old March 16th 05, 07:32 AM
Don Burnette
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Throwing out old computer

I used to, but then wised up and got rid of the wife,, no more problems!




--
Don Burnette

"When you decide something is impossible to do, try to stay out of the
way of the man that's doing it."

Colin Barnhorst wrote:
I keep a couple of old boxes around just so my wife loses count and I
can get away with a new computer for months before she catches on. bg
I'm using an old 233mhz in my office for my accounts, and it's on my
LAN and works ok!

--
Kath Adams
MS MVP - Windows (IE/OE)
In memory of Alex Nichol

Harry Ohrn wrote:
I know many, many charities that will take 600mhz system.


"shakey" wrote in message
...
Best to toss it after that, Charities do not want it. I have a win
95 machine and a Win98 - 600mhz chine and no one will take.
SG
"Hunter B" wrote in message
...
Open up the case and remove the hard drive. Close case and
replace screws.
Place hard drive on hard surface (outside is best). Put on your
safety glasses and grab your 20 lb sledge hammer. Now wack the
daylights out of it
so nothing is left. That is the best way. You can try a
scrubber, but is
your data really gone? Do you really want to take the chance? I
wouldn't.
Now donate your old computer to a good cause and get a write off
for this years taxes.






  #35  
Old March 16th 05, 07:57 AM
Colin Barnhorst
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Throwing out old computer

I want one powered by usb.

--
Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)
"Mike Hall (MS-MVP)" wrote in message
...
The ultimate accessory for any quality computer..

http://www.circotech.com/sucili.html

Any s******s from the cheap seats and I will never again disclose any
information regarding devices fitted to my computer.. please bear in mind
that magnetic BIC throw away lighters are as difficult to find as hen's
teeth..

I chose the silver finish..

--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/user

http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm





"Colin Barnhorst" wrote in message
...
I think the best buy is the T-shirt!

--
Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)
"Ken Blake" wrote in message
...
In ,
Colin Barnhorst typed:

Ken, here is an item everyone must have in his computer room.
http://dvdrewinder.com/index.php?mai...roducts_ id=1


LOL! Interesting as it might be, I think I'll pass, if for no other
reason than that there is no room for *anything* else in my computer
room.

But I'll pass your suggestion on to lots of my friends. ;-)

--
Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP Windows: Shell/User
Please reply to the newsgroup


In ,
Harry Ohrn typed:

I know many, many charities that will take 600mhz system.


Not to mention individuals. My wife runs on a 400MHz machine, so a
600MHz would be a step up for her.


--
Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP Windows: Shell/User
Please reply to the newsgroup


"shakey" wrote in message
...
Best to toss it after that, Charities do not want it. I have a win
95 machine and a Win98 - 600mhz chine and no one will take.
SG
"Hunter B" wrote in message
...
Open up the case and remove the hard drive. Close case and
replace screws.
Place hard drive on hard surface (outside is best). Put on your
safety glasses and grab your 20 lb sledge hammer. Now wack the
daylights out of it
so nothing is left. That is the best way. You can try a
scrubber, but is
your data really gone? Do you really want to take the chance? I
wouldn't.
Now donate your old computer to a good cause and get a write off
for this years taxes.








  #36  
Old March 16th 05, 12:44 PM
Joan Archer
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Throwing out old computer

lol That's one solution, if somewhat drastic vbg
Joan

Don Burnette wrote:
I used to, but then wised up and got rid of the wife,, no more problems!




  #37  
Old March 16th 05, 12:51 PM
Joan Archer
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Throwing out old computer

lol I'll pass and stick with my lighter that is looking at me on the
desk or can be found in my pocket g
Joan

Mike Hall (MS-MVP) wrote:
The ultimate accessory for any quality computer..

http://www.circotech.com/sucili.html

Any s******s from the cheap seats and I will never again disclose any
information regarding devices fitted to my computer.. please bear in mind
that magnetic BIC throw away lighters are as difficult to find as hen's
teeth..

I chose the silver finish..

  #38  
Old March 16th 05, 12:55 PM
Joan Archer
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Throwing out old computer

lol Well I've just finished recharging my phone by USB g
Joan

Colin Barnhorst wrote:
I want one powered by usb.

  #39  
Old March 16th 05, 04:06 PM
Mike Hall \(MS-MVP\)
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Throwing out old computer

Hey guys and gals..

If you can think of a better talking point that fills up an unused 5.25 in
bay?..

Joan, your pocket lighter has nothing on this.. can you run an 'auto' style
vacuum cleaner from your computer, or a tire inflator?.. and it doesn't
break nails in operation..

Harry, I have only just received a good lead on where to get a floating
ashtray for the bath.. do you have any leads on an ashtray designed for DVD
units that no longer function?..

Colin, I don't think that SP2 compatible USB drivers are available..

Najal, if you are still with us, convert your old computer to something
useful.. buy a Sunbeam cigarette lighter, fit it, and see how many visitors
want to talk about the latest gadget that actually works as a stress
reducer.. just think, no more rushing outside to see if the kids are setting
alight the shed, no more remembering whether it was a yellow or a black or a
red lighter that you purchased from the convenience store.. no more wishing
that you had bought the refillable type..

Now I get the impression that you are indeed all s******ing, so I will sit
in the corner and SULK.. and a good comedian never laughs at his own jokes,
so I will sign off now before I become a totally bad comedian..

But remember this slogan, applicable to all cigarette smoking computer
users..

STRESSLESS WITH A SUNBEAM

--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/user

http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm





"Joan Archer" wrote in message
...
lol I'll pass and stick with my lighter that is looking at me on the
desk or can be found in my pocket g
Joan

Mike Hall (MS-MVP) wrote:
The ultimate accessory for any quality computer..

http://www.circotech.com/sucili.html

Any s******s from the cheap seats and I will never again disclose any
information regarding devices fitted to my computer.. please bear in mind
that magnetic BIC throw away lighters are as difficult to find as hen's
teeth..

I chose the silver finish..



  #40  
Old March 16th 05, 05:06 PM
Rattleon
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Throwing out old computer

Best , safest, most effiecent way to destroy all the data is to simply place
it in a drill press, drill a 1/4 to 3/8 hole through the hard drive (through
the platters). No chance of any data recovery after that.

"najal" wrote in message
...
Which is the best way to eliminate everything from the hard drive of my
old
computer?



  #41  
Old March 16th 05, 05:54 PM
shakey
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Throwing out old computer

""John John" wrote in message
Unless you work for the CIA or MI5 and have state secrets on your drive no
one
would bother spending that kind of money trying to retrieve anything
that might turn out to be nothing more than emails to Grandma and a list
of your favorite recipes, if they indeed can recover anything."

Are you implying that my recipes are not priceless? Lol
SG



  #42  
Old March 16th 05, 06:39 PM
John John
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Throwing out old computer

Any expert data recovery company could retreive ALL the data on these
platters except for what was where the hole you drilled.

John

Rattleon wrote:
Best , safest, most effiecent way to destroy all the data is to simply place
it in a drill press, drill a 1/4 to 3/8 hole through the hard drive (through
the platters). No chance of any data recovery after that.

"najal" wrote in message
...

Which is the best way to eliminate everything from the hard drive of my
old
computer?





  #43  
Old March 16th 05, 06:48 PM
John John
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Throwing out old computer

shakey wrote:

Are you implying that my recipes are not priceless? Lol
SG


If they are anything like mine they are priceless for biological
warfare! That's why I know about the CIA and the US DoD making sure
that my recipes don't get into the wrong hands, my recipes are lethal
weapons! If eating the food doesn't kill you the gas you release after
supper is guaranteed to kill every one within a 5 mile radius!

John

  #44  
Old March 16th 05, 06:53 PM
Don Burnette
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Throwing out old computer

Lol, yeah, much more to it, this was just a side benefit

Don

Joan Archer wrote:
lol That's one solution, if somewhat drastic vbg
Joan

Don Burnette wrote:
I used to, but then wised up and got rid of the wife,, no more
problems!






  #45  
Old March 16th 05, 08:19 PM
Ken Blake
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Throwing out old computer

In ,
John John typed:

I can assure you that with a 3 pass wipe no one will be able to
retrieve anything from your drive unless they hire data
recovery
specialists and spend thousands of dollars, and even then they
may
recover nothing. I can further assure you that with a DOD or
Gutmann
wipe no one will be able to retrieve anything unless they spend
tens
of thousands of dollars and even then they may be left empty
handed
with empty pockets! Unless you work for the CIA or MI5 and
have
state secrets on your drive no one would bother spending that
kind of
money trying to retrieve anything that might turn out to be
nothing
more than emails to Grandma and a list of your favorite
recipes, if
they indeed can recover anything.



Exactly right! Many people worry far too much about these things.
For the vast majority of people, even simply formatting the drive
is sufficient. Yes, it's possible to retrieve data after a
format, but first you have to know how, and second, you have to
want to. Unless there's something special about you and what you
have on your drive, it's highly unlikely that some criminal will
single out your thrown-away computer to search your drive for
your darkest secrets.

--
Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP Windows: Shell/User
Please reply to the newsgroup


 




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