Best way to erase all data on pc?

[Gustov]

Hey guys, my friends pc refuses to turn on, so therefore he wants to purchase a new one. He wants to delete all data stored on the pc so I've given him so advice with regards to how to erase the data, thus being

- Open the case, take HDD out, then burn/smash to be sure the data is lost

I am correct in saying that by doing this ALL data will be lost on the pc?

Many thanks
Gustov

 

[Leezy]

He could plug the HDD in his new computer then Format it through the admin controls then he'll have more space and/or a backup drive.

 

[bennyboy2606]

+1 For the burn and smash, with pics

 

[Gustov]

haha he's not the kinda guy who could be arsed to format, although doing that is the more sensible option its clearly not as fun thanks guys!

 

[CliffyBiro]

Microwave?

 

[BillytheImpaler]

Drive nails through it then smash and burn.

 

[semi-pro waster]

He could plug the HDD in his new computer then Format it through the admin controls then he'll have more space and/or a backup drive.

This would be the easy and sensible option, DBAN will do a more than admirable job on the formatting/data wiping.

If you really want to destroy the hard drive then either shattering the platters into tiny pieces or melting them (hot enough to fuse them into a blob of molten metal) will do. It is a bit extreme as I don't think many people will bother with forensic examinations on dead PC hard drives they find but that is up to you/them.

//edit was just wondering where you'd got to Billy, haven't seen you in GH for a while.

 

[platinum87]

This would be the easy and sensible option, DBAN will do a more than admirable job on the formatting/data wiping.

If you really want to destroy the hard drive then either shattering the platters into tiny pieces or melting them (hot enough to fuse them into a blob of molten metal) will do. It is a bit extreme as I don't think many people will bother with forensic examinations on dead PC hard drives they find but that is up to you/them.

//edit was just wondering where you'd got to Billy, haven't seen you in GH for a while.

+100