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"Back up your entire hard drive, your computer should have a program that allows you to back up your hard drive. If not, buy an external hard drive or a flash drive at least 8-16gb, and copy all the files in your hard drive to the external drive."

I do not believe this to be an adequate answer to the issue.

The question is how do I remove all data before recycling the PC, not how do I back my computer up.

To completely eradicate all data I have used several methods.

I have an old microwave on an extension cable in my garage that use to initially microwave the hard disk.

I insert the hard disk and then leave the area and flip the switch in the other room. After about 30 seconds I turn it off and come back to the drive. I don't know how safe it is to stand in the room at the same time so I would recommend against it. The drive causes the microwave to create bright sparks during the microwaving period.

The next stage is to physically degrade the drive. Microwaving it has probably degraded the magnetic platters but you cannot be too sure.

You will need to use a large metal mallet and strike the drive several times until it is completely destroyed. I should be in 2 or more peices before accepting that it is no longer usable.

At this stage you will be able to recyle the remaining computer parts safe in the knowledge that it is unlikely that someone will be able to access your data.

Some people will claim that you can zero the drive 10 times and achieve the same result of making your data inaccessable to anyone.

They are wrong, instead I recommend completely destroying your hard disk to ensure complete safety.

Kind Regards

Peter

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13y ago

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