Permanently Erasing Hard Drive and Destroying Data

I typically tell everybody to backup their data, protect it, etc.  However today, we will be going down a more destructive path of how to forever erase data from a hard drive so that it is no longer recoveralbe.  Hope you enjoy this hub. 

Many people get the wrong impression that when they press delete on their keyboard, a file is assumed gone, when it is still very easy to recover using even the simplest recovery programs. Erasing is a term used to mean utterly gone, not deleted. So below I am going to share with you a couple of ways to "erase" your hard drive.

First: Why would anybody want to erase data?

• Your a criminal and want to cover your tracks.....hope not.
• You are going to be giving the computer to someone else.
• You are disposing of the computer and don't want someone to find personal files.

So, onto the destruction, below is the order in which I recommend. Be advised that some of the methods below are considered dangerous, and one should exercise extreme caution and all safety measures when using them. Nobody, under the age of 18 should do the dangerous methods without adult supervision.

Professional Service for Businesses:

• There is no business that can afford to allow company or employee data fall into the wrong hands. That is why Drive Savers is highly recommended to securely, and effectively destroy you data. This company also recovers data (irony isn't it?) as well. You can contact them at 800-440-1904 with discount code DS16416 or visit them on the web.

Personal/Residential Methods:

• If you plan on re-using the drive, then write all zeros back to the hard drive and format it to the operating system of choice. This is a basic, but effective method. The zero writing utility is provided by your specific hard manufacturer, normally in their downloads section on their website.

• Torching the drive can be fun, but is dangerous. If you disassemble the drive, you can take a blow torch to the platters until they warp and melt. Somebody pass the marshmallows please?

• Driving drill holes (prefer 3/8" min.) through the drive platters will render the drive useless, but still isn't as effective as torching it.  This method isn't as dangerous as torching, but is still dangerous. 

I do a lot of writing helping others, and do my best to bring some quality to the net, so if you like this Hub, be sure to check out my other websites.

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