How do I permanently delete the hard drive of an old computer I am about to toss?

Old 1997 Dell PC running on WinMe + dial up. Hard drive is partitioned: C, D, E, F. C contains Windows, etc. I want to overwrite it and delete all files.

I have SDEL but am unable to get it to work in DOS. I know that just reformatting the drives is insufficient. Concerned that banking files and passwords can be accessed if I don't do this.

Your expert advice is much appreciated.PS-I don't own a sledgehammer... :) Asked by curious7777777 30 months ago Similar questions: permanently delete hard drive computer toss Computers > Hardware > Desktops & Laptops.

Similar questions: permanently delete hard drive computer toss.

There is no "permanent" unless your planning on taking up smelting. :) Oh well, but for the mean time try this. evidencenuker.com/" rel="nofollow">evidencenuker.com/ I build a lot of scrap computers and donate them to Non - Profit Corporations.

Before I begin the process I always use the evidence nuker scanner and the program takes it from their. I have also used a couple of recovery programs on the same drive and cannot locate any hidden or deleted files. Yippee for that huh.

:) Anyway just my opinion though. Good Luck! Sources: evidencenuker.com/" rel="nofollow">evidencenuker.com/ .

Park it next to a magnet for a few days. Even the bits not erased will be so cluttered with erased bits as to be unreadable, but for the most part, the whole thing should be scrambled.

Drill it One way that I've used and seen recommended is to drill 3 holes through the disks portion of the drive. If you do this be careful because the dril bit can easily catch causing either the hard drive or the drill to suddenly jerk. If you have a vice I suggest clamping it down and go easy as you start getting into the guts of the drive..

1 Take out the drive, physically destroy it in place or download a free program to overwrite it.

Take out the drive, physically destroy it in place or download a free program to overwrite it.

2 Even the "overwriting" programs aren't sufficient to truly eliminate what was on the drive if a good hacker gets hold of it. Run it over with your car, and then torch it. This user has been banned from Askville.

2 Even the "overwriting" programs aren't sufficient to truly eliminate what was on the drive if a good hacker gets hold of it. Run it over with your car, and then torch it.

Even the "overwriting" programs aren't sufficient to truly eliminate what was on the drive if a good hacker gets hold of it. Run it over with your car, and then torch it.

" "My hard drive in filling up and a lot of old updates. Can I delete the old updates on programs I rarely/never use?" "Computer will not power up. What's the best way to get files off of the hard drive?

" "How do I format a macbooc hard drive? I want to clean and delete everything and put the leopard. " "Where can I buy cheap desktops, laptops that is in good condition?

" " if I download a movie from the net can I download it onto an external hard drive, watch then delete" "Does all activity (surfing, etc.) remain on your computer after deletion and how can you find and permanently delete it? " "How to select the best external hard drive for laptops? " "how do I open up the hard drive on my computer" "how do I delete iphone sms permanently?

My hard drive in filling up and a lot of old updates. Can I delete the old updates on programs I rarely/never use?

Computer will not power up. What's the best way to get files off of the hard drive?

I want to clean and delete everything and put the leopard.

If I download a movie from the net can I download it onto an external hard drive, watch then delete.

How do I open up the hard drive on my computer.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.