what have you found is best way to destroy a old hard drive

[Augix]

The department of defense standard operations for destroying data is: The Department of Defense, concerned about truly eliminating classified computer files, has established a standard titled DOD 5220.22-M. In general terms, this standard can usually be met by overwriting the specified file with random data, five-to-seven times. It takes that much overwriting to completely obliterate traces of the original information on the disk. Here is a link to the matrix of clearing and sanitation of clasified information http://www.killdisk.com/dod.htm More info..

NOTE: Each byte is first overwriten with 01010101. The second overwriting pass uses 10101010. This cycle is repeated three times. The final overwriting pass is performed with random bytes generated with an ANSI X9.17c keystream generator. Disk caches are flushed after each overwrite, and the final overwrite is read-back verified. This method meets or exceeds the Purging requirements of NAVSO P5239-26, AFSSI-5020 and AR380-19. It is approved in DOD 5220.22-M for any reclassifying of Classified hard drives in secure Automated Information Systems, even those certified and accredited for Special Access Programs, but is not approved for Purging disks at any level above Secret. Due to the residual magnetization necessarily left to hold the disk tracking servo data, the only way to truly destroy disk data is through degaussing and destruction of the disk. However, the residual magnetization recovery techniques used by intelligence services require expensive laboratory equipment and are only practical for very small amounts of targeted data, as opposed to scanning entire hard drives for possibly interesting files.

As I said before... the only real way of removing the data, is to degause the drive and then destroying the platters also for some more information see this site: this is a decent app for securely removing stuff.. I usually have it wipe over anywhere from 6-12 times, depending on the sensitivity of the document or file.. http://kremlinencrypt.com/kremlin/pc_index.html and this one has some decent info about the DOD's standard.. it even talks about tempest montoring.. http://www.dss.mil/isec/nispom_0195.htm
US Department of Defense 5220.22-M Clearing and Sanitization Matrix

a. Degauss with a Type I degausser

b. Degauss with a Type II degausser.

c. Overwrite all addressable locations with a single character.

d. Overwrite all addressable locations with a character, its complement, then a random character and verify. THIS METHOD IS NOT APPROVED FOR SANITIZING MEDIA THAT CONTAINS TOP SECRET INFORMATION.

e. Overwrite all addressable locations with a character, its complement, then a random character.

f. Each overwrite must reside in memory for a period longer than the classified data resided.

g. Remove all power to include battery power.

h. Overwrite all locations with a random pattern, all locations with binary zeros, all locations with binary ones.

i. Perform a full chip erase as per manufacturer's data sheets.

j. Perform i above, then c above, a total of three times.

k. Perform an ultraviolet erase according to manufacturer's recommendation.

l. Perform k above, but increase time by a factor of three.

m. Destroy - Disintegrate, incinerate, pulverize, shred, or melt.

n. Destruction required only if classified information is contained.

o. Run five pages of unclassified text (font test acceptable).

p. Ribbons must be destroyed. Platens must be cleaned.

q. Inspect and/or test screen surface for evidence of burned-in information. If present, the cathode ray tube must be destroyed.

[VidmanII]

sounds like alot of work.

[wpublic]

book a flight and put it in the x-ray scanner at the airport; but only first after doing a low level format.

really, i dont think x rays will mess with it, but if you put it in the microwave for about 14 minutes, it will surely save you money and an inadvertent plane trip

[wpublic]

but you might lose your microwave.

[RubberDuckie]

This should do the trick
I would be glad to solve your problem

[matt719]

Is all that neccessarily? i'd like to see them get data off of a hard drive with 30 m16 rounds in/through it. If you have data that is that "secret" then i think you should go turn yourself in just joking. Seriously though... if you take every piece apart and do something nasty to the plates, no one will find out... all of this overwriting seems unneccessary to me. Also, if you get the program Eraser, it will write over your hard drive 35 times, (or more if you feel neccessary)

[Pugsley]

why not just shove the whole drive in a nice 3000 F furnace? that should destroy it!

[matt719]

throw it off the grand canyon

[VidmanII]

Just buy WD/ They'll destroy themselves in about 3 months. :laugh

[MegaVectra]

Install AOL 9.0.

[VooDoo]

Originally posted by MegaVectra
Install AOL 9.0.

ide kill my self befor i go back to aohell

why would i pay for cable and pay more to aol

me

[zandor]

1. Disassemble
2. Lap platters.

[Brianm77]

Originally posted by MegaVectra
Install AOL 9.0.

Install norton AV first

Seriouslly I have a 4 year old that could destroy a tank if you let her.

Hey if you pay S&H i'll even send a copy of the video

[MegaVectra]

I take them apart and use the magnets as screw holders. Comes in handy when working on laptops.

[Qui Gon-Jinn]

Ok.. it's been mentioned. but the way I "Remove" data is with a bullet. be it 7.62 or .223.. or my trusty .40

Now if that is not an option.. simply open it up. shatter the platters.. and throw away the pieces..

Or. send it to me.. I will shoot it for you..