Hard Drive question

[fireshot91]

Is there a way to physically wipe a hard drive (Not a SSD, or Flash drive or anything), but still have it be in working condition.

Like, run a magnet over it, and then restore it to a (workable) format in any OS?

 

[imaketouchtheme]

Is there a way to physically wipe a hard drive (Not a SSD, or Flash drive or anything), but still have it be in working condition.

Like, run a magnet over it, and then restore it to a (workable) format in any OS?

You could always use a program to format it that guarantees to completely wipe everything off of it. Here's an example. Send me a message on AIM for more info.

 

[upinflames900]

Why do you want to physically wipe it? Format and zero out a disc would do the same thing easier.

 

[imaketouchtheme]

Why do you want to physically wipe it? Format and zero out a disc would do the same thing easier.

The problem with just doing that is it does actually leave recoverable files on the hard drive, even completely formatting and doing a reinstall. He may be an ex-FBI member looking to keep all his secret spy data from going into the wrong hands.

Man, I watch too much Burn Notice.

 

[upinflames900]

The problem with just doing that is it does actually leave recoverable files on the hard drive, even completely formatting and doing a reinstall. He may be an ex-FBI member looking to keep all his secret spy data from going into the wrong hands.

Man, I watch too much Burn Notice.

I know, but if you zero out the disc like a hundred times then there is nothing left. Besides taking a flame torch to it, zeroing it out a lot is probably the best way to rid yourself of data completely.

 

[imaketouchtheme]

I know, but if you zero out the disc like a hundred times then there is nothing left. Besides taking a flame torch to it, zeroing it out a lot is probably the best way to rid yourself of data completely.

I'm not disagreeing, I'm just throwing out all possible situations (yes, very extreme, but who knows )

I personally just format my hard drives prior to selling a computer.

 

[DoFoT9]

The problem with just doing that is it does actually leave recoverable files on the hard drive, even completely formatting and doing a reinstall. He may be an ex-FBI member looking to keep all his secret spy data from going into the wrong hands.

Man, I watch too much Burn Notice.

you would think that a FBI member would know a bit more about securely deleting their HDs then that, zero'ing out is the 2nd best way (apart from torching it or throwing it into the sun). a 7 zero pass should be enough, however people can always get data back one way or another.

 

[m85476585]

OS X has built-in 1, 7, or 35 pass zeroing. 7 is all that's necessary--35 is just wasting time.

I read about a device created for the military to wipe drives quickly. It was basically two very large magnets and a mechanism to move the drive past them. I don't think you can buy big enough magnets yourself, though, as it takes quite a lot of magnetic force to affect the data on a drive. Try holding a magnet up to a drive with data, and you will notice nothing happens. I don't know if the drives are left working after passing through the magnets.

If your data is really valuable, thermite is the only way to be sure.

 

[waloshin]

Well you could just use a swiffer duster.













On a serious note I agree zero out the hard drive. Also known as an unconditional format!

 

[Lanbrown]

If you are really concerned about it, then buy a new drive and out it in the system. Drives are not that expensive.

 

[fireshot91]

Okay, I don't work for the FBI

I don't need to do anything, I was just curious .

That is all.