big mama

i have got a new computer how do i delete evrything from the old one

Kill Disk is suppose to be a good way to totally wipe off a hard drive. I've never used it before though although I've used something similar. It will probably take a long time depending upon the speed/size of your drive.

Keep in mind that someone who is determined to read old hard disk data will find ways to do it. Even from formatted/wiped hard disks.

The only true method of data security is physical destruction of the hard disk, if this is an issue with you.

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In other words you could, for example, take it apart and destroy the platters. They can recover date even after it has been zeroed out?

"They can recover date even after it has been zeroed out?"

In one word, yes. No need to "take it apart".

"The only true method of data security is physical destruction of the hard disk,"

I'm (kind of) surprised you didn't know this.

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Now "that's" a good method!

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Location: Alberta, CanadaD-A-L Hardware Scan

That did it.

I knew that the surest way was but what if you still want to use the hard drive? I didn't know recovery could be done on zeroed out drive though. How?

I am not an engineer but basically, as I understand it, writing zeros is like a new coat of paint.

You will note the free version of KillDisk only writes one time. The pay for version will write many times.

The more you cover the more you hide but the layers can always be peeled back.

There are government standards for wiping which I am just off the top of my head thinking 20 to 30 rewrites to zero.

Anyway I like the paint analogy.

You are also talking about hardware and software which is probably classified at some level.

FBI; CIA; etc.

We drift into a realm way beyond a PC user unless they are really Most Wanted.



...edit new coat:


So here is what I think the process might be:


KillDisk: read 1 change to 0


anti-KillDisk: read 0 from change from 1 change to 1


etc.



...

jephree hit the nail on the head.

"The more you cover the more you hide but the layers can always be peeled back."

It depends on you "recovery" software and your deterination.

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Location: Alberta, CanadaD-A-L Hardware Scan