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wiping data off a hard drive



 
 
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  #1  
Old December 23rd 06, 07:45 PM posted to microsoft.public.win98.disks.general
tim309
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 2
Default wiping data off a hard drive

Hi everyone, I have a problem with a portable usb 2G micro hard drive.
I use(d) it a lot and now it has decided to stop working. Worst case
and most likely cause is that its a problem with the interface
electroncs rather than the physical disk. The problem for me is that
the store will happily give me a refund (they have confirmed the item
is defective) however they will need to send it back to the
manufactucturer so they can ascertain what is wrong. So, as there is
personnel data stored on the device (assuming there is nothing wrong
with the disk) I'm reluctant to just give it back. Initially their
customer service told me they'd test it first and if they couldn't fix
it they'd destroy it in my presence. So, does anyone know if it is
possible to wipe data from a disk without physically connecting to a
computer. Examples say a microwave, or strong magnets. I've heard all
the possibilities but literally with domestic appliances what actually
is possible?

Thanks if anyone cane come up with a solution for me and merry
christmas to everyone.

Tim

  #2  
Old December 23rd 06, 11:40 PM posted to microsoft.public.win98.disks.general
Jeff Richards
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 1,526
Default wiping data off a hard drive

Don't try microwaving it - you'll destroy the microwave.

Very strong magnets could remove the data, but they will also destroy the
drive, as they erase the servo tracks and interfere with permanent magnets
in the drive motors. In any case, as you can't access the drive, you
wouldn't know whether or not the erasing has worked.

The only practical option is to destroy it yourself.
--
Jeff Richards
MS MVP (Windows - Shell/User)
"tim309" wrote in message
ups.com...
Hi everyone, I have a problem with a portable usb 2G micro hard drive.
I use(d) it a lot and now it has decided to stop working. Worst case
and most likely cause is that its a problem with the interface
electroncs rather than the physical disk. The problem for me is that
the store will happily give me a refund (they have confirmed the item
is defective) however they will need to send it back to the
manufactucturer so they can ascertain what is wrong. So, as there is
personnel data stored on the device (assuming there is nothing wrong
with the disk) I'm reluctant to just give it back. Initially their
customer service told me they'd test it first and if they couldn't fix
it they'd destroy it in my presence. So, does anyone know if it is
possible to wipe data from a disk without physically connecting to a
computer. Examples say a microwave, or strong magnets. I've heard all
the possibilities but literally with domestic appliances what actually
is possible?

Thanks if anyone cane come up with a solution for me and merry
christmas to everyone.

Tim



  #3  
Old December 24th 06, 12:43 AM posted to microsoft.public.win98.disks.general
philo
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 1,318
Default wiping data off a hard drive


"tim309" wrote in message
ups.com...
Hi everyone, I have a problem with a portable usb 2G micro hard drive.
I use(d) it a lot and now it has decided to stop working. Worst case
and most likely cause is that its a problem with the interface
electroncs rather than the physical disk. The problem for me is that
the store will happily give me a refund (they have confirmed the item
is defective) however they will need to send it back to the
manufactucturer so they can ascertain what is wrong. So, as there is
personnel data stored on the device (assuming there is nothing wrong
with the disk) I'm reluctant to just give it back. Initially their
customer service told me they'd test it first and if they couldn't fix
it they'd destroy it in my presence. So, does anyone know if it is
possible to wipe data from a disk without physically connecting to a
computer. Examples say a microwave, or strong magnets. I've heard all
the possibilities but literally with domestic appliances what actually
is possible?



The manufacturer is really just going to confirm the unit is defective...
and it's unlikely they will attempt any repair of the electronics and access
your data.

However if it's extremely important that no one sees the data...
you might as well just smash the unit with a hammer and forget about the
warranty.


  #4  
Old December 24th 06, 02:15 AM posted to microsoft.public.win98.disks.general
tim309
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 2
Default wiping data off a hard drive

Thanks for responding. I guess the answer as I suspected is to trash
the drive myself and forego the warranty.

  #5  
Old December 24th 06, 03:03 AM posted to microsoft.public.win98.disks.general
Ron Badour
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 957
Default wiping data off a hard drive

I have had outstanding results with a FPSH (five pound sledge hammer).

--
Regards


Ron Badour, MS MVP for W98
Tips: http://home.satx.rr.com/badour
Knowledge Base Info:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=kbinfo



"tim309" wrote in message
oups.com...
Thanks for responding. I guess the answer as I suspected is to trash
the drive myself and forego the warranty.



  #6  
Old December 24th 06, 05:09 PM posted to microsoft.public.win98.disks.general
philo
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 1,318
Default wiping data off a hard drive


"Ron Badour" wrote in message
...
I have had outstanding results with a FPSH (five pound sledge hammer).




I've got an 8# and a 16# sledge...

when i got the 8 pounder...i realized it was too light duty for the jobs i
do...

but after i dropped it on my foot...i was glad it was only an 8 pounder



  #7  
Old December 24th 06, 05:24 PM posted to microsoft.public.win98.disks.general
Ron Badour
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 957
Default wiping data off a hard drive

OUCH !!!

--
Regards


Ron Badour, MS MVP for W98
Tips: http://home.satx.rr.com/badour
Knowledge Base Info:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=kbinfo



"philo" wrote in message
...

"Ron Badour" wrote in message
...
I have had outstanding results with a FPSH (five pound sledge hammer).




I've got an 8# and a 16# sledge...

when i got the 8 pounder...i realized it was too light duty for the jobs i
do...

but after i dropped it on my foot...i was glad it was only an 8 pounder





  #8  
Old December 25th 06, 06:49 AM posted to microsoft.public.win98.disks.general
philo
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 1,318
Default wiping data off a hard drive


"Ron Badour" wrote in message
...
OUCH !!!



It was not so bad...
just dropped it from a few inches

and I was wearing my work boots !


 




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