Question How do i wipe an old hard drive?

[BillWiTheScienceFi]

kept my old pc in my closet for so long, finally decided to get rid of it but i forgot to wipe my hard drive on it. Is there a way to do it with my new pc?

 

[Ralston18]

Yes.

If you have an available bay in your new pc then the drive could be installed there and wiped.

However, I would use an external enclosure or adapter with its' own power source to connect the old hard drive.

Then wipe.

What you must be very careful about is to pay careful attention to the drive letters. You do not want to inadvertently wipe C:, D:, or some other important drive.

Which should all be backed up as a matter of routine.

Another option is to take the old hard drive apart. They have a powerful magnet inside which can be quite useful so save that.

Remove the platters and scratch the platters up. Then recycle all into the electronics bin somewhere.

Taking the drive apart does not require you to buy or borrow any enclosures. You may need the necessary small screwdrivers.

FYI:

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/take-apart-hard-drive-magnets/

If there are younger family members about they may enjoy helping....

 

[geofelt]

A very old HDD is close to worthless.
Just take a hammer to it.

 

[punkncat]

I personally like to take those apart, keep the magnets, and destroy the platters.

If you aren't inclined to save any part of it a drill works really well.

 

[USAFRet]

"old", as in how old?
What size/make/model?

It may be worth more to you as a fridge magnet donor, rather than trying to sell it.

 

[Grobe]

I personally like to take those apart, keep the magnets, and destroy the platters.

Yes, it can be used as some pretty modern looking art if done right. But be careful of the magnets, they are very strong and can easily shut over a finger - avoid having children get those in hands for this reason.

 

[punkncat]

Lol, as @USAFRet alluded to above, they make tremendous fridge magnets. I have one holding the Chinese and Sushi delivery menus, as we 'speak'....

 

[USAFRet]

Lol, as @USAFRet alluded to above, they make tremendous fridge magnets. I have one holding the Chinese and Sushi delivery menus, as we 'speak'....

Also, a stud finder, if you're doing any DIY.

Slide it up and down on the wall.
Where it sticks, thats a nail or screw, and a stud...

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Darik's Boot and Nuke is what I use to use to completely WIPE drives before a sale or donated setup.

 

[Bob.B]

kept my old pc in my closet for so long, finally decided to get rid of it but i forgot to wipe my hard drive on it. Is there a way to do it with my new pc?

Look through the bios for a secure ease option.

If it's there might be worth a shot.

I would suggest not having any other disk connected if you run this.