Clearing data without hard drive

[PocketPC1]

Hi,

I have an old laptop and I removed the hard drive as I could no longer remember the password to login. I was thinking about either donating the laptop, or throwing it away as it is more than 10 years old now.

I understand that removing the hard drive does not erase all data. I was wondering if there is a way to clear the data even though I cannot login.

I still have the hard drive, by the way.

Model:
Packard Bell ARGO C2

Many thanks.

 

[USAFRet]

Remove the hard drive, and no data remains.
Nothing.

 

[Math Geek]

to erase it, you can put it back into the laptop and boot to a hard drive eraser. if you are going to donate it, then a full secure wipe would be the best idea to ensure nothing can be recovered from it.

here are some options

Disk Wipe Bootable USB Tools: 9 Best to Use in 2023

A lot of computer users will know that when you delete a file, it isn't actually completely gone from the system and can often be recovered with a simple

www.raymond.cc

 

[USAFRet]

And a laptop that ancient isn't really good for "donation".

Someone might buy it for a Linux install, but thats about it.
Wipe the drive in it, and put it on your local craigslist equivalent for $50.
If no sale in 2 weeks...City recycling center.

 

[mike the car guy]

All your data is on the hard drive. All, not most. Wiping it is probably sufficient for 99+% of us, probably 99.99% or more, but if you want to be absolutely sure, pull the HD and kill it. Drill a hole in it, then beat it with a hammer. In this case, low tech, FTW.