Dead hard drive advice

[ToLiveIsToFly]

We've got a dead 500GB external drive that we use for backups. (Don't worry, we haven't lost any data - we are a bit paranoid about backups and have a few other volumes.)

My question is this: this dead drive had pretty much everything about our lives on it. It's dead, so I can't really wipe it, but it wouldn't surprise me if someone else with the right equipment might be able to pull data off of it.

If it were you, what would you do about disposing of it?

[Estonut]

Sledgehammer appetizer with a fireball entree.

Seriously, if you're worried about the data, you have to physically destroy the disk inside the drive. There is an episode of Forensic Files (on TruTV) where a police investigator was able to take a floppy disc that had been cut into pieces with those zig-zap pattern scissors, simply tape the disc back together with scotch tape, and then read enough of the floppy to convict the criminal.

Many shredders these days are made to shred credit cards and CD/DVD disks in addition to paper. I have never taken apart a hard drive to see what the actual hard disk looks like, but I wonder if you can remove it and shred it, or have it shredded.

[sunflower]

I have wanted to take a sledgehammer to mine...but it's sitting in the attic until I get up the nerve!

[WebTVThingie]

Try defenestration...

[Bob Juch]

Good for you for having your backups in order!

You should take the drive apart and subject the disk platters to the highest heat possible. That will demagnetize them. Mangle them after that if you wish.

[sunflower]

Good job catching your duplicate posts, Bob...here I was going to accuse you of trying to get your post count up!

How hot is hot enough? Hair dryer? Oven? Fireplace??

[Bob Juch]

Good job catching your duplicate posts, Bob...here I was going to accuse you of trying to get your post count up!

How hot is hot enough? Hair dryer? Oven? Fireplace??

I got an error each time I tried to post so hit reload several times.

Range burner high hot.

[ToLiveIsToFly]

Good job catching your duplicate posts, Bob...here I was going to accuse you of trying to get your post count up!

How hot is hot enough? Hair dryer? Oven? Fireplace??

I got an error each time I tried to post so hit reload several times.

Range burner high hot.

Thanks. For the record, Bob, this is the same drive you have.

[Bob Juch]

Good job catching your duplicate posts, Bob...here I was going to accuse you of trying to get your post count up!

How hot is hot enough? Hair dryer? Oven? Fireplace??

I got an error each time I tried to post so hit reload several times.

Range burner high hot.

Thanks. For the record, Bob, this is the same drive you have.

I hope it's several years older! Is that the Seagate or Maxtor?

[christie1111]

I asked this Q recently.

Breach the casing and then a high concentration of salt water was suggested.

Electrons and all that.

Think that works?

[sunflower]

I asked this Q recently.

Breach the casing and then a high concentration of salt water was suggested.

Electrons and all that.

Think that works?

Ooh...a lot less dangerous than a sledgehammer or the stove top!! If that works, I'll do it tomorrow!!

[Sir_Galahad]

As Estonut advises. I would open the drive, remove the platters and take a hammer to them making as many pieces as you can.

[ToLiveIsToFly]

I got an error each time I tried to post so hit reload several times.

Range burner high hot.

Thanks. For the record, Bob, this is the same drive you have.

I hope it's several years older! Is that the Seagate or Maxtor?

It's the Seagate. It's only 2 years old but for some reason it was prone to being knocked over. I think I told you I was having problems with mine when you first announced getting yours.

The Maxtor is in good shape. The La Cie, though - that sucker just goes and goes.

[Bob Juch]

Thanks. For the record, Bob, this is the same drive you have.

I hope it's several years older! Is that the Seagate or Maxtor?

It's the Seagate. It's only 2 years old but for some reason it was prone to being knocked over. I think I told you I was having problems with mine when you first announced getting yours.

The Maxtor is in good shape. The La Cie, though - that sucker just goes and goes.

Ah, I didn't want to assume that. Mine sometimes doesn't make its presence known during a reboot. I have to get up and walk around my desk to unplug and replug it.