I want to sell my mac and erase my data from it so that no one can retrieve it later. Is it possible to completely erase the data, or is my mac doomed to dust away.
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Erasing for selling
- Thread starter Grassgreen
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What kind of Mac are the in selling?
If not has a removable 2.5" or 3.5" mechanical sata drive, you could remove it, put it into a usb enclosure and secure erase it using another computer. I personally used windows machine to secure erase drives for sale, put them back into the Mac, and I'm install a fresh os.
If it's non-apple ssd, I do that same thing except I look for software from the drive manufacturer to erase.
If not has a removable 2.5" or 3.5" mechanical sata drive, you could remove it, put it into a usb enclosure and secure erase it using another computer. I personally used windows machine to secure erase drives for sale, put them back into the Mac, and I'm install a fresh os.
If it's non-apple ssd, I do that same thing except I look for software from the drive manufacturer to erase.
Hard Drive:
Secure erase the drive from recovery mode. Do a seven pass secure erase.
https://www.backblaze.com/blog/how-to-wipe-a-mac-hard-drive/
I know a single pass is enough. I prefer the seven pass. You just set it and let it run for a day or two. What's the harm? It won't take you any extra effort. You just set it and check back the next day. Unless you are in a rush to sell, why not?
I do this for two reasons. To ensure the data is gone. To ensure the hard drive functions under extended load. If it handles that. You can be reasonably assured you are selling a computer with a reliable hard drive.
Solid State Drive:
If on an SSD. Turn on FileVault. Let it encrypt the drive. Fill it up with random data, then repartition with a clean install. The encryption will have scrambled any files beyond recovery.
Secure erase the drive from recovery mode. Do a seven pass secure erase.
https://www.backblaze.com/blog/how-to-wipe-a-mac-hard-drive/
I know a single pass is enough. I prefer the seven pass. You just set it and let it run for a day or two. What's the harm? It won't take you any extra effort. You just set it and check back the next day. Unless you are in a rush to sell, why not?
I do this for two reasons. To ensure the data is gone. To ensure the hard drive functions under extended load. If it handles that. You can be reasonably assured you are selling a computer with a reliable hard drive.
Solid State Drive:
If on an SSD. Turn on FileVault. Let it encrypt the drive. Fill it up with random data, then repartition with a clean install. The encryption will have scrambled any files beyond recovery.
I prefer a double pass, but if you have the time/patience I guess the 7 pass would suffice.
I prefer a double pass, but if you have the time/patience I guess the 7 pass would suffice.
I suppose it depends on how hurried you are. I usually won't remember to check on it for a few days. It's just something I do when bored for extra money. Whenever the computer I'm given from somebody is upgraded with old spare parts, properly wiped with a fresh OS install and what I consider essential general purpose software (libreoffice, VLC, Chrome (w/ adblocker), Avira anti-virus (Windows)). It gets sold or donated depending on market value.