Do you have a hard drive that is inaccessible or worthless, but contains sensitive data? Do you really want the data to be lost? After cleaning your hard drive, try doing one of the options below to protect the data so that the data becomes even more secure. This wikiHow teaches you how to erase data on a hard drive so that it can no longer be saved.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Clearing Data
Step 1. Back up data
It's easy to forget all those beloved family photos and MP3 rips you did in the 90s when you were focused on destroying embarrassing data or disposing of illegal files to avoid lawsuits. However, make sure you have backed up all important and legal data because everything on the hard drive will be destroyed.
Step 2. Erase all data on the hard disk using the software
While the physical destruction method may give better results so that the data cannot be recovered, it does not guarantee 100% success (especially if you believe that the government has very strong reasons for obtaining your data). You can do this on a Windows or Mac computer without having to buy or download any software. If you delete the data on it, then destroy the hard drive, nothing will ever be able to restore its contents.
- Read How to Wipe Computer Data to find out how to do it.
- A complete wipe of computer data will most likely succeed in erasing its contents. Only people with advanced forensic tools can recover the data after you delete it.
Step 3. Open the computer case, then remove the hard drive
Each computer case places the hard drive in a different place, and sometimes it is enclosed in a metal case. You can search the internet for hard drive placements if you still can't find one.
Step 4. Remove the hard drive case
You may need to unscrew a few screws to remove the case (depending on the make and model of the hard drive). Maybe you should also cut some of the fasteners. Look carefully, there are often several screws hidden behind the label. So maybe you should do some searching.
Step 5. Remove the magnet
You'll need to remove the arm structure and magnet to reach the disk underneath (this is what you're aiming for). You will have to remove the screws, but this is not difficult. Remove the magnets carefully as they are very strong and could actually injure you.
This is serious, you have to fight hard to remove the magnet. This thing can tear fingers. And for the sake of your loved ones, don't ingest them or allow them to be eaten by pets (including children)
Step 6. Remove and lift the dish
This dish looks like a nice mirror. You may need to open the round object in the center that is firmly stuck. this is the part used to store (mostly) data. So you have to destroy it. Sometimes there is more than one disc so you have to look closely.
Method 2 of 2: Physically Destroying Hard Discs
Step 1. Burn the hard disk
By burning it, your data will literally be destroyed within minutes. It's best not to start a fire just to destroy the hard drive. To burn it safely, contact a reputable data destruction service who will burn it in a safe place.
Step 2. Crush the hard disk with a hammer
Before you do this, place the hard drive in a cloth bag so the debris doesn't scatter. Get a hammer (either you have one at home or you can buy it at a hardware store), and beat the disc until it shatters into thousands of tiny pieces. When you're done, separate the disc debris and place them in several different bags. Next, dispose of each bag in a different place so the discs won't be able to fit together again.
Step 3. Puncture the hard disk
If you have a sharp knife or metal pin, you can stick it through both sides of the disc to make holes in it. This renders the hard disk unusable.
Warning
- There is no guarantee that the methods described here are 100% effective at permanently deleting data. Proceed with caution when using the steps in this article.
- Always apply the best safety practices when you destroy a hard drive to avoid serious injury.
