How to Absolutely, Positively Destroy Your Data: DIY Tech
By Anthony Verducci
Published in the February 2007 issue.
When you’re getting rid of an old PC, sometimes erasing your files isn’t enough. Here’s how to make sure gone means gone.
The File-by-File Method
1. INDIVIDUAL FILES ELIMINATED, SOFTWARE REMAINS INTACT
If you are giving your computer to someone else, you don’t neces-sarily want to eliminate all the valuable software along with your private data. Dumping individual files in the ordinary way doesn’t make them unrecoverable; it only makes the space on the drive occupied by those files available for overwriting. To completely destroy a file, use a data-shredding program such as Digital File Shredder from StompSoft ($30). It takes a conventional “erase” a step further by actually writing over the file.
The Whole-Drive Method
2. ENTIRE DRIVE IS PERMANENTLY ERASED, BUT STILL USABLE
Completely reformatting your drive may seem more permanent than simply erasing the files, but this method doesn’t eliminate data either — the information can easily be restored using off-the-shelf data-recovery software. Many of the best data-erasing programs come from the same companies that produce data-recovery software. DataEraser ($30), from Ontrack, completely overwrites the drive. Set aside some time: This can take hours on large hard drives. The process is, of course, irreversible.
The Power Tool Method
3. DATA IS GONE, HARD DRIVE IS TOAST
There is no better way to completely annihilate your data than to render the device that stores it unusable. We still suggest a software shredder first, but if your personal data security justifies the extra effort, put on protective eyewear and gloves, then break out the power tools. Drilling four holes through the platters will ensure that they never spin properly again. Better yet, unscrew and remove the top lid of the drive, and go at the platters with a sander or angle grinder. Scuff the surface of the platters until all the shine is gone.
Tags: computer repair, computer ugrading, Destroying Data, Erasing data
