H o w t o P e r m a n e n t l y E r a s e D a t a O ff a H a r d

Dr i ve
So you want to make sure that someone can't get their hands on your
private files on a hard drive. Here are ways to render your data
completely unreadable.
When files are deleted from a computer by emptying the Recycle Bin or
Trash (or by reformatting), the operating system removes them from the
list of files on the hard drive. However, the actual contents of the files
remain on the drive until it is overwritten, either by use of the same
space on the drive or by intentional data destruction. Data that has not
been overwritten can easily be recovered with a few tools and a little
know-how. This article covers methods of deleting data in such a way
that the data becomes unrecoverable by anyone.
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Method One of Three:

Boot and Nuke Method
This will allow reuse of your hard drive, the theory that your data is still
recoverable by forensic analysis by well-financed governments, is
based on a misunderstanding of a research paper from the mid 90s by
Peter Gutmann, which looked at MFM floppy disks, not modern
EPRML hard drives. Lifehacker describes the software that you will be
using, Darik's Boot and Nuke, as "an open-source boot disk utility
(read: works on nearly any computer) that supports a wide variety of
disk wiping methods and operates from inside the computer's RAM,
allowing it to scrub the disk thoroughly at a remove."[1]
rpprriissee Me!
Su

D o w n l o a d D a r i k ' s B o o t a n d N u k e ( D B A N ) h e r e . Two
different versions (one for PCs and newer Macs, and the other

for older Macs) allow DBAN to work on nearly every computer made
within the last ten years.

B u r n D B A N t o a C D . Since DBAN is an ISO file, you will need

to use burning software that can burn ISO files (also known as

CD images). Simply burning the file onto a CD in the ordinary way is

not sufficient. If you don't see the "ISOLINUX" folder on the burned
CD, it won't work and your hard drive will not be erased.
Windows 7 comes with the correct software to burn ISO files;
simply double-click the file. If you are using an older version of
Windows, download a program such as BurnCDCC
have suitable CD burning software.

if you don't

B o o t f r o m t h e C D . Leave the CD in while you restart the

computer you are erasing the hard drive with. If it doesn't boot

up from the CD automatically, you will need to adjust the boot order
in the BIOS. On an Apple Mac, you may need to hold down the "C"
key while the computer starts up.

D e l e t e t h e d a t a . You will need to select the disk to delete the

data from (make sure it is the right one b e c a u s e y o u c a n ' t

r e c o v e r t h e d a t a a f t e r i t hhaas b e e n d e s t r o y e d ). You can choose

how many times you want it to be overwritten and deleted. The
default, 3-pass overwrite is far more than needed. Overwriting with
"one pass of random data" is sufficient to prevent any recovery of
data.

Method Two of Three:

Physical Destruction Met hod
This destroys the hard drive, rendering it completely unusable (and
therefore unreadable). You can also view more tips in How to Destroy
a Hard Drive. Physical destruction is a good option for an archaic drive
for which you don't have the necessary interface on a computer to
connect it to, or if the drive will not reliably boot for you to run a
software-based erase. It is also for those who want their data to be
unrecoverable even under forensic analysis by governments.

R e m o v e t h e o l d h a r d d r i v e y o u w a n t t o d e s t r o y f r oom
m the
computer or external enc losure (such as the outer case

around a USB hard drive ).

U n s c r e w a l l t h e s c r e w s h o l d i n g t h e t o p o n . You will need the

T-9 sized wrench for most hard drives. Sometimes there's an air

D e s t r o y t h e p l a t t e r s . Once you get the top off you will see two
or three stacked, silver disks (called platters). Put scratches on

the surface of the platters with the Torx wrench. Now start smashing
it with the hammer. Do this outside on a hard surface (such as
concrete). Be sure to wear safety glasses to protect against flying
debris. Glass platters (found on newer drives) will shatter. I f y o u
h a v e a l a r g e h a m m e r ( a 1 0 l b s l e d g e f o r i n s t a n c e ) : you can forgo
opening the drive - a few good hits with a big hammer can split open
the metal casing and mangle the platters, even on old full height
5.25" drives with metal (rather than glass) platters.

Method Three of Three:

S e l e c t i v e F i l e W i p e M e t hhood s [[11]]
Although not as good as the Boot and Nuke or physical destruction
methods above, you can use these to erase only unused space while
leaving your computer operable.

Windows
Microsoft SDelete : Secure delete files, directories or sanitize
free space.
Wipe File: Overwrites the specific disk space occupied by the file
you'd like erased.
DeleteOnClick: Has a "Securely Delete" option to engage a
Department of Defense 5220.22-M overwrite on the files.
Eraser: Can be scheduled to perform regular overwrites of empty
disc space to catch orphan files.
WBD(Wipe Bad Disk): Can wipe disks with bad sectors.

Mac OS X
Permanent Eraser: Can be used as an alternative to the "Secure
empty trash" option. It overwrites the files 35 times.

Space..." function that writes over the unused space 1, 7, or 35

times.
srm: Terminal command that deletes and overwrites files making
recovery impossible.

Linux (Ubuntu)
Wipe Package from Ubuntu Unleashed: Adds secure multi-pass
file deletion, like DeleteOnClick does in Windows.

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Tips
Flame from a lighter or match applied directly to the disk platter will

13

Helpful?

You could also take out the platters and hand sand them or use a
drill sander to make unique looking disks you can re-purpose for drink
coasters!
7

Helpful?

The disks reflect light nicely and look great on a Christmas tree if
you like a high-tech theme. Be creative!
8

Helpful?

10

Another alternative is a drill with a sheet metal or masonry bit6 to

10 holes through the drive will be enough to make the drive
unreadable.
7

Helpful?

The more hammer dents in the disk platters, the better.

5

Helpful?

Another way is to forget the unscrewing and just smash it until you
get past the casing and to the platter.
2

Helpful?

On your next new compu ter (especially if it's a lap top), consider
e n c r y p t i n g t h e d i s k with software such as FreeOTFE or TrueCrypt.
Use a strong password to obviate the need to physically destroy the
disk yourself at the end of its useful life. This might also protect the
confidentiality of your data if your computer is stolen (if it's turned off).
Helpful?

Add

Warnings
For your personal safety :
If using any source of fire, be careful! Fire is dangerous, and
fumes can be toxic!
Be careful not to hit your fingers with the hammer.
Watch out for flying parts.
Don't microwave hard drives.
Helpful?

If you try to erase single files, you might not actually be successful
because of the way modern computer file systems work. You should
use the Boot and Nuke method and/or physical destruction methods if
data security is really a concern.
Remember that once you do this, there is N O WAY to recover
your data (especially with physical destruction methods).
Helpful?

Things You'll Need

Torx wrench set (including uncommon sizes such as T-9)
Hammer
Old hard drive
Eye protection such as goggles or glasses

Related wikiHows

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