Hard Drive Bashing Party Anybody?

Plugging in...

The procurement of a new computer always leaves the user with the dilemma of how to safely dispose of the "old" computer. Not safely as in not harming the Earth (that, too will be addressed) but safely as in how do I remove all my information. DELETING is not the answer because, well you don't really want to know all the technical details, but it the information on the hard drive can be recovered if only deleted.

Two things factor into a solution. Do you want the computer to be usable by someone else, or is it ready for the glue farm?

If the answer is that it's ready for the glue farm, then we have a hard drive bashing party. Literally. We remove the hard drive from inside the computer, and have at it with a screw driver and a hammer, and any other tools we choose to use to destroy it. Then whatever remains of the hard drive can be recycled as metal. The rest of the computer including cables, power cords, keyboard, monitor, etc can be recycled no charge at many local stores: Staples and Best Buy are options.

If the answer is you would like someone else to use it, then we have more work to do, and no Hard Drive Bashing Party for you. Look for another blog entry that addresses the complete removal of the data on the hard drive, with the hard drive left intact for a second life.


ALWAYS REMEMBER: before calling for help - is it plugged in, and is it turned on?

Unplugged