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Post by mary57 on Jan 31, 2012 16:43:22 GMT -5
Spike, this would be in your area of knowledge, how do you wipe a computer/laptop or smartphone clean before disposing of it???
We have one sim card from a phone that I'm just going to toss into the campfire, but how do I clean all personal info from our old laptop? Thanks in advance Mary
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Post by spike99 on Jan 31, 2012 23:46:41 GMT -5
What specific brand and model of computer? What specific OS (Operating System) as well? What year is the computer? When it comes to removing personal data from an old computer box, there's no one perfect soluton. It all depends on each unique computer....
In the old days (when Windows xx computers were simple), one could make a boot-able 3.5" floppy disk, access the hard drive from booting from a floopy disk, and using simple DOS commands like FDISK and Format, one could repartition & format its internal HDD. Thus, blowing away all its stored info - including operating system, application and data files. With today's computer, its much harder to access its internal HDD when booting up from an attached device (like USB stick). Some of the newer computers have its base OS loaded within its own hidden partition. When booting up, one can press a few keys, access that hidden partition and restore the computer back to its 1st day usage configuration. This blows away one's user information as well. But, this option is only availble on the newer age computers (that uses a hidden partition for its OS).
For my older Win XP desktop "tower box" computer, I simply opened the box (3 x thumb screws at its back cover), remove its internal 3.5" HDD, then store its manually removed HDD under my computer desk (to be used as future spare parts). I then took that Dell box (with missing internal HDD) to my local computer recycle depot. For example, Staples store. Or, I'd simply put the computer box at the end of my driveway with a FREE sign on it. It would be gone in a few days. If needed in the future, I now have a spare HDD under my desk. Or, I would re-confugure this removed HDD as a SLAVE drive, and install in my newer desktop replacement. Thus, having 2 x HDDs in my much newer Win xx desktop replacement box. Opening / removing internal HDDs from Laptops is more complicated. But if sending the laptop to scrap pile, I would physically "open it up" and remove its smaller size 2.5" HDD. Then, take the laptop box (with missing HDD) to a computer recycle store. Being a 2.5" HDD (found in all laptops), one can then install it within a different device - like a Patriat Media Player (that uses 2.5" internal HDDs). Or, keep this removed HDD under your desk for future spare HDD as well. If scaping your laptop / computer, perhaps your kids or grandkids might want to physically "open it up" for you? They would learn the insides of that specific "old scapper" computer.
Do specify the exact brand/model/OS and we'll recommend different methods - for that unique machine.
Note: Remove the internal HDD from the computer, open the removed HDD (to see its inner platters / access arm), and put into a camp fire would "melt its insides" and destroy all its data as well. Not too sure if its smoke is non-toxic. But as a last restore, this does destroy its internal contents (your personal DATA) as well...
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Post by mary57 on Feb 2, 2012 19:39:24 GMT -5
Spike it's a Dell Inspiron 15 Windows XP , Liz is in favour of keeping the HDD as a back up. Should we just take it out and store it, while recycling the laptop itself?? Thanks
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Post by spike99 on Feb 2, 2012 21:02:24 GMT -5
Yes. If you are going to scrap your laptop, simply ask one of your kids or grand kids to manually open up the laptop. Good manuals to learn how to open up different Dell Laptops are located @ www.ifixit.com/Device/Dell_Laptop For example, many details / pictures within: support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins5100/en/i5100-om.pdf Or, perhaps your Dell 15 is like: www.ifixit.com/Guide/Installing-Dell-Studio-15-Hard-Drive/5722/1With its internal HDD removed, simply re-assemble in reverse order. End result, you now have a laptop with no internal HDD. To discard the laptop unit, simply call future shop, best buy or staples. If I remember correctly, they will take your used computers for free. If they don't, simply post something in Kiujiji in GTA @ toronto.kijiji.ca/f-buy-and-sell-computers-City-of-Toronto-W0QQCatIdZ16QQLocationZ1700273 I'm sure someone within your GTA area is looking for a free "Dell Inspiron 15" with NO internal HDD. Something they can pop `their` spare HDD into. If wondering, I've "torn apart" many different desktops / laptops in my previous years. And, its knowledge gained sparked my interest into a computer science career. Perhaps one of your kids or grandkids is looking for the same knowledge gain opportunity as well? Hope this helps...
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Post by John on Feb 5, 2012 13:21:45 GMT -5
Spike what I did to disable an old hard drive ,was to drill ten 1/4 in holes through it . It would be a little hard to make it spin after that .
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Post by spike99 on Feb 5, 2012 17:22:47 GMT -5
Spike what I did to disable an old hard drive ,was to drill ten 1/4 in holes through it . It would be a little hard to make it spin after that . :) YES. This would work great as well. Especially if a self tapping screw was forced into the hole as well. Same method in the heart kills vampires as well. LOL!!!!
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Post by John on Feb 6, 2012 10:27:54 GMT -5
Spike what I did to disable an old hard drive ,was to drill ten 1/4 in holes through it . It would be a little hard to make it spin after that . :) YES. This would work great as well. Especially if a self tapping screw was forced into the hole as well. Same method in the heart kills vampires as well. LOL!!!! lol :)
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Post by LindaNY on Feb 7, 2012 0:20:56 GMT -5
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Post by spike99 on Feb 7, 2012 9:00:09 GMT -5
Looks like a cool product. Based on its table of contents, it doesn't cover MacOS computers, doesn't cover Unix computers and doesn't cover Windows 7 computers either. Only covers DOS/Win 95/98/XP systems. And, these systems boot from diskette or USB stick - to allow total wipe-out of the boot drive. Looks like this product "doesn't cover all" either... To ensure personal data on boot (or slave) HDDs cannot be accessed by others, it would be best to physically remove the drive and physically destroy it - like John's method of drill a screw (which kills vampires as well - !). .
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Post by LindaNY on Feb 7, 2012 10:06:42 GMT -5
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