How to dispose of an old computer safely?

They look like -> http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=internal+hdd&hl=e...

And you can either take the Hard drive out and SMASH IT TO PIECES!

Or.....

► Darik's Boot & Nuke(DBan) - Permanently Erase a Hard Drive ◄

Burn Dban to a CD -> http://download.cnet.com/Darik-s-Boot-and-Nuke-for...

Then boot the computer from the CD.. Boot into Interactive Mode..

Change the 'Method' To What you Desire, Some Examples Are:

'Fast/Quick Erase' - Fastest but least Secure.

'GutMan' - Longest but Most Secure.

If you 'AutoNuke'.. You Erase the Entire HD And any EHD/USB's Plugged in.

(You Can Choose to Just Wipe/Erase the C Drive Only)

Be Very Patient Especially if you Chose A Secure Method.

Then just leave it out for the Tat man or take it to a scrap yard for say.. £5 profit.

Hope it helps :)

Here is a link with a picture of an hd, it is on the bottom right with one red cable coming out and a multicolor cable connected to it: http://www.dansworkshop.com/wp-content/uploads/201...

Also, once you open up your computer case and think you have found the hd just read the label on it, it will say something about what it is. If its an hd it will say capacity xxx gig or something like that, fairly obvious.

Anyhow, as far as data destruction goes there are two good routes. One is to use a boot disk which will wipe the drive completely. This destroys the data. I suggest DBAN (dariks boot and nuke I think) which will write over the data on your hd a specified number of times. On maximum setting this program can take forever to run, like a day or more, so its kind of overkill. Anyhow, download something like ultimate bootcd (http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/) or hirens boot disk (google it). Then burn one of these to cd/dvd. then when starting your computer go into bios (usually you press del when your computer is starting, it differs depending on mobo). In bios, change boot order so that it boots from your cd/dvd drive first. then restart with cd/dvd in the drive and you will go into the boot cd and not windows. now select the appropriate program and go for it.

Other good option is to remove the disk, drill through it in several places with a drill bit intended to drill metal. This is serious overkill. I would suggest DBAN or a similar program.

Good luck.

you can "kill" the drive by a program called a kill disk. what it does is write 0s on your drive so all data is wiped.

you can open the drive, pour sand in it, connect it up to 5 volt power and let the platters spin for a couple hours.

you can disassemble the drive, subject the platters to a propane torch until they warp, then toss in a bucket of ice cold water, the thermal shock makes them break.

you can open the drive, apply power and use some sandpaper to grind off the drive surface.

you can use the drive for target practice.

you can open the drive, put thermite on top, and burn it down.

you can put the disassembled drive in a paper box on top of 2 lbs of tannerite and scatter the remains over a 2 sq mile area.

you can drill holes in the drive and toss it in a local pond, river, or in the ocean.

or you can send it to me, next time i go to the range I'll shoot it some and send the shattered remains back to you.

you can find out what is a hard drive by going Wikipedia and find a article about computer components.

I would suggest going to a computer store and having them remove the hard drive for you before recycling the computer. Usually they will not charge since it takes about 5 minutes to do, opening a computer without knowledge is kinda dangerous.

Also, after you get your HDD, I'd suggest smashing it with a hammer. The disc inside is all of your info, so break that and your info is safe.

You have to wipe the hard drive using a software and possibly donate the computer than burning. There are people who will thank you for that donation.

First, take a bit orf iron. Melt it and pour it into a cylindrical mould of about 1 X 1 mt. Now remove your hard disk and keep it in a place devoid of valuables.make a loft above the hard disk. Take the moulded iron to the loft and drop it over you hard disk. Voila! password+flooring destroyed. Two birds with one shot!(ummm...did u want the second bird dead?)

I couldn't agree more with what Mahou and bill stated.