recycling a computer

[bentothejam1n]

we are recycling one of our old computers and I'm just wondering if there is anything besides the hard drive that I need to take out to prevent ID theft?

[robnix]

we are recycling one of our old computers and I'm just wondering if there is anything besides the hard drive that I need to take out to prevent ID theft?

That should be enough. Take it apart and smash the platters.

[punkncat]

A large magnet or mag lock will wipe it clean. You can also just plug it into the CD cables inside another computer and reformat it.

[FARMER00]

just burn it one day

[mutigerfan04]

I don't know hard drives have worked after being set on fire. Best thing to do is use a drill press on the thing.

[rob123456789]

or shoot it

[robnix]

A large magnet or mag lock will wipe it clean. You can also just plug it into the CD cables inside another computer and reformat it.

You need a rather large electromagnet to wipe a drive. Reformatting a drive is pretty useless as well.

[PyRo]

Beat it with a hammer and get the discs out. Then cut up the discs.
What do you have on this thing thats so importatnt someone would go through the trouble of repairing a smashed hard drive if you just gave it a good smack and then bent the pins off?

[robnix]

Beat it with a hammer and get the discs out. Then cut up the discs.
What do you have on this thing thats so importatnt someone would go through the trouble of repairing a smashed hard drive if you just gave it a good smack and then bent the pins off?

All you need to most drives is a torx wrench.

[olinar]

put it though a table saw and then send it through a woodchipper. then set it on fire. thats what i would do if i needed to ensure my safety.

[Head knight of Ni]

Kill it with Thermite and take pictures/ shoot video.

[thecavemankevin]

hydrochloric acidz, and lots of it!!!!

or you can simply use this: http://dban.sourceforge.net/

[93civiccpe]

I've had some creative ways to destroy old hard drives... a skeet thrower and a 12 guage over and over is fun. (buck shot of course.. and even better if your shotgun takes the super magnum shells).

If you have a nice 30-06 / 30-30 / .308 ... etc rifle, it makes a great 100 yard target. Depending on your aim.. should take a box of ammo or less.. =P.

sledge hammer is a fun alternative. Just strike repeatedly with it.

... this could go on for a while.. lol..

[Hexis]

Remember, when the only tool you have is a hammer, every job looks like hours of fun.

[Nick E]

I vote thermite/any other "exothermic reaction"...
and the louder the better, as we all know.
pics/vid?