When it’s time to upgrade to a new computer, you’re left with the question of what to do with your old one. Simply throwing out your old computer or donating it without wiping the data first poses security risks. Follow these steps to safely wipe and dispose of your old computer.
Back Up Important Data
Before wiping your computer, be sure to back up any files or data you want to keep. This includes documents, photos, music, and other personal files. Backing up data ensures you don’t lose anything important when erasing the computer. Here are some backup options to consider:
- Copy files to an external hard drive or USB flash drive
- Upload files to a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox
- Burn files to DVDs or Blu-ray discs
Once your data is backed up, you’re ready to wipe the computer.
Wipe the Hard Drive
Wiping the hard drive removes all data, including your operating system, programs, and personal files. It overwrite the drive with meaningless data so files can’t be recovered. Here’s how to wipe a hard drive:
- On Windows, use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool. Select the ‘Clean up system files’ option and choose to overwrite the free space on the drive.
- On Mac, use the Disk Utility app and select to securely erase the free space on the drive.
- For a more thorough wipe, use third-party erase tools like DBAN (Darik’s Boot and Nuke), Active@ KillDisk, or Eraser. These will completely overwrite the entire hard drive.
Wiping the drive takes a while, but ensures no files are left behind.
Remove the Hard Drive
For maximum security, you may want to physically remove and destroy the hard drive. This prevents anyone from accessing data, even if they were able to recover wiped files. To remove the hard drive:
- Open the computer case and locate the hard drive. It will look like a flat rectangular box.
- Disconnect the drive’s power and data cables.
- Unscrew the mounting screws to detach the drive from the computer.
Be sure to store the wiped hard drive in a safe place if you plan on destroying it. Hard drive destruction should be done carefully to avoid injury or environment damage.
Destroy the Hard Drive
To permanently destroy a hard drive, you’ll need to damage the physical platters that store data. Here are some destruction methods:
- Drill holes through the top of the drive to damage the platters inside.
- Smash with a hammer repeatedly to break the internal components. Wear safety glasses to avoid injury.
- Incinerate by taking to an e-waste facility that accepts hard drives for incineration. Call ahead to find locations.
Destroying the drive renders data unrecoverable. Just be sure to back up your data first!
Recycle the Rest of the Computer
Once you’ve wiped the hard drive and removed any personally identifiable information, the rest of the computer can be recycled. Start by removing remaining components like:
- Optical drives, like DVD or Blu-ray
- RAM memory modules
- Expansion cards, like graphics or sound cards
Then look for a certified e-waste recycler in your area that accepts computers and electronics. Many retailers like Best Buy also accept devices for recycling. This ensures toxic materials like mercury or lead don’t end up in landfills.
Wiping and disposing of an old computer properly takes some time and effort, but is worth it for the peace of mind. Be sure to fully back up your data, wipe the hard drive, destroy it if possible, and recycle the rest responsibly. Taking these steps helps keep your personal information secure.
