For the sake of this discussion let's assume that i have some data that i don't want anyone to ever be able to find. As far as i know a quick format doesn't actually erase the data, it just makes it so they can be written over so untill something takes the place of that data it stays there and is recoverable. Would a full format actually overwrite the data with all zeros? Or would i have to fill the hard drive with some other stuff to get rid of it? Would that take care of it or is there something else i should do in addition, other than physically destroy the drive?
I've got a program for doing that i think its called data shredder it takes ages to do its work. If I can find it I send you a copy if you want one. I believe just formating dosen't remove it completely its still possible to retrieve it.
you can get rid of your porn using Recuva http://www.piriform.com/recuva its an un-erase tool, but also allows u to secure delete.
DBAN it. A few zero passes and pass or two of random data should be enough. Gutmann is for the paranoid.
i use a program called diskwipe which seems to do the job, on some of the really sensitive stuff i run 37 passes which basically writes random 0/1 over the whole disk 37 times. Assuming you want the whole disk erasing that is.
I occasionally host patent or design information I don't want recovered. There's a legitimate use for it. Have a HDD I will be doing like this myself. It's showing signs of spindle issues, will destroy the data and send it in.
Yh I have used dban on some of my hard drives it is an excellent programme, and makes sure that you cannot retrieve the information. That is if you wanted it removed completely. Dban only does the whole hard drive, well it might do partitions but you'll have to check that one.
Other than the solutions already suggested store the data on an old el cheapo drive and use a hammer on the sucker when you're done with it. It's not irretrievable with the right kit but beyond the ability of >99% to get a single byte off it and it feels so satisfying!
Have used dban myself when i have sold any hard drives on ebay. So far my bank accounts are still safe lol
Dunno how hardcore you want to go with this but here's some handy info US Department of Defense on Wiping Drive Standard And if you want to physically destroy the drive (which is overkill I reckon), a nice big magnet to corrupt the data followed by a hammer would work well
Degauss it, take out the platters, grind them to dust with a disk sander, then blend the metal dust with magnesium powder and set it on fire. Once done, blend the ash with baby powder and send it in 16 separate envelopes to geographically distant locations with instructions that the person is to scatter it. If they are by a body of water, scatter it in, or if they are in the prairies or a desert, wait for a windy day. Of course, the electromagnetic pulses of your writes could have produced radiation that has been emitted into deep space and will forever continue their journey. The only real way, is to therefore destroy the universe or collapse spacetime or something. You'll need to seek someone else for that sort of help.
