So my computer has died. I mean totally died -- kaput! If I power it up it cannot even open windows and I can't reload any disks because the disk drives don't work. (We have ordered a new computer -- after 8 years I guess we're due.) Normally when we get rid of a computer I try to clean up the hard drive. I can't get to the hard drive on this one. If we open up the tower can we destroy the hard drive -- like with a hammer? Serious question -- me, hard drive, hammer -- any dangers with that route? (I'm competent with a hammer.)
I can probably get to a computer tomorrow to see if anyone has any suggestions so, sorry, if I don't respond right away.
If you take the time to take your HD apart with a screwdriver, you can keep the platters - they are ultra-reflective little mirrors and pretty cool really.
But if no, then yeah - hammer the **** out of it after extracting it from the case. Have fun!
Hi Tai! Whether your computer's hard drive is total kaputt or still somehow fixable, you'll find useful links on this thread started by Foxfyre - and btw, the NSA won't stop at hammer-the-disk-to-tiny-chips extinction, they actually send the tiny chips to a metal smelter, and watch until it's bubbling away http://able2know.org/topic/132735-4
If the hard drive is still accessible one can use an erase utility program. Privacy Guardian can rewrite over the data beyond the security regulations required by the DOD (the Department of Defense).
tsar my microwave is 22 years old; I'm not sure it's up to the challenge. (Confession time -- the computer I'm using has no sound. I have no idea what the instructions were.) cyclo's right though -- the mirrors are kind of cool.
0 Replies
Tai Chi
1
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Sun 21 Mar, 2010 11:19 am
@High Seas,
Thanks for pointing me in the right direction, High Seas. I'll check out the thread now.
Just read the link, High Seas. Lots of useful information. I'm not a spy so I guess I don't have to take anything to extremes. I'm thinking a hammer (or bonfire) will be sufficient.
0 Replies
engineer
3
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Sun 21 Mar, 2010 02:41 pm
@Tai Chi,
I'd like to suggest another route. If you can get the hard drive out, put it into an external USB enclosure ($15-$25 from newegg.com) and use it as a back up drive. You can copy all your old documents off of it, reformat it and use it to store pictures or backup your documents.
great idea, maybe i'll tell her to bring it down when they come to visit, i can do it for her, i've done it myself to get files of an old comp, and then formatted the drive to use as an external
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