Clean Off Your Hard Drive

SKILL LEVEL 1

You're doing the right thing by donating or recycling your obsolete computer. But before you do, erase data from the hard drive so no malevolent hacker can extract information about you. Check out your options for obliterating your files and then choose the one that suits you best.

1 Skill level
1 out of 5
4 Steps
0 Materials

Step 1 Delete files

At the very least, delete all your files by moving them to the trash or wastebasket and then clearing the deleted files from the trash. You can also highlight the files or programs in question and use pull down menus to delete the files.
Although deleting makes it look like you erased files, they are, in fact, still there. Deleting a computer file simply removes the information from the directory so the computer can't find the file. However, the file is still on the hard drive, and with the right software someone can retrieve the file in its entirety.
Step 2 Reformat the hard drive

The next level is to reformat the hard drive. Be sure you want to take this step, because it can't be undone. How to reformat a hard drive depends on the computer and operating system. If you're not computer savvy, have an expert do this step.
Reformatting the drive makes it harder to restore your personal information, but doesn't truly erase data files. Software exists that restores data on a reformatted drive.
Step 3 Wipe the hard drive

Software specifically designed to erase data files deletes each file by overwriting the file contents with gibberish. This way, not only is the file inaccessible, but the data itself is obliterated. You can buy software that erases data files at computer stores and online.
You can find some free programs online. Search for "erasing the hard drive" or "wiping a hard drive." If you want to be certain the drive is clear of all data, make sure the program overwrites the disc several times. The process can take several hours.
Step 4 Destroy the drive

For the truly paranoid, the ultimate security precaution is to remove the hard drive from your computer and physically destroy the hard drive. Smash it with a hammer, grind it up, run over it with a car — whatever you want.
Destroying the hard drive makes the computer unusable unless someone installs a new one, but truly makes it impossible for anyone to get to your personal data.