Computer Question: Wiping an external hard drive

[Doe Be Doe]

Hello. I thought I had a problem with an external hard drive to which I back up my computer. I bought a new hard drive but then it turned out that the problem was with my computer. I can return the new hard drive for a refund, but want to make sure I clean it up. Other than erasing files copied to it what else need I do before returning it?

 

Thanks.

[+ deej]

It depends.

 

What operating system? What does the drive itself support? Did it come with an initialization disc?

 

You might try a google search using terms like "wipe disk" to see if anything matching your requirements turns up.

[Doe Be Doe]

Thanks. I use vista. I found a program called Killdisk and will probably use it to wipe the hard drive. Any other thoughts?

[instudiocity]

Hello. I thought I had a problem with an external hard drive to which I back up my computer. I bought a new hard drive but then it turned out that the problem was with my computer. I can return the new hard drive for a refund, but want to make sure I clean it up. Other than erasing files copied to it what else need I do before returning it?

 

Thanks.

 

Apple's Mac OS X offers three levels of erasure in it's Disk Utility:

Zero-Out which writes Zeros to the entire drive

7-Pass Zero Out which does this seven times

35-Pass Zero Out which does this thirty-five times.

 

I figure nobody but the Feds can crack a drive that's been zeroed out 35 times.

[Guest Spanky]

Sometime similar happened to me not too long ago and I had a choice of returning a wiped external drive or not returning it and eating the cost. Given that it had all my financial stuff, tax records, and an encrypted file with website IDs and passwords, I figured it was worth losing the $100 or so I had paid for the device even though there was a slim to none chance that someone else would be able to recover the wiped data from it.

 

I grew in a lower middle class family and while I do ok now, $100 is still a $100. Or rather, $100 is 30 minutes with many very fine gentlemen. Or a couple of nice tips. Or a couple of electric Wartenburg pinwheels I've been keeping my eye on...but now I'm getting off topic. Point is, $100 is a hell of a lot less expensive than someone getting access to all my stuff and stealing my identity. Might be something worth thinking about. Besides you may want the external hard drive in the future.

 

By the way, I pity the fool that is so hard up he thinks my identify is worth stealing.

[OneFinger]

...I found a program called Killdisk and will probably use it to wipe the hard drive. Any other thoughts?

 

I've heard good reports on Killdisk and I think it would do the job.

 

But, on a somewhat related question, are you sure you want to trust another hard drive for your backup? I recently signed for for an unlimited, on-line backup. It's only about $60 / year and data is encrypted. Hard drives fails, homes have fires, and "stuff" happens. I'd encourage you to consider the on-line option.

[Guest greatness]

oh Spanky

 

I love your posts. So fun to read.

[Doe Be Doe]

I've heard good reports on Killdisk and I think it would do the job.

 

But, on a somewhat related question, are you sure you want to trust another hard drive for your backup? I recently signed for for an unlimited, on-line backup. It's only about $60 / year and data is encrypted. Hard drives fails, homes have fires, and "stuff" happens. I'd encourage you to consider the on-line option.

 

Actually, I do both. I have an online backup and I do a manual backup.

[OneFinger]

Actually, I do both. I have an online backup and I do a manual backup.

 

Sounds like we're "birds of a feather" (in more ways than one). IMHO, you can't have too many backups.

[whipped guy]

I have 4 external hard drives for backup of various files... lots of music included so I need quite a bit of space. At any rate, what on-line backups are recommended... and how "unlimited" are they regarding space. As you say "stuff" happens...

[OneFinger]

...At any rate, what on-line backups are recommended... and how "unlimited" are they regarding space. As you say "stuff" happens...

I use Carbonite.com and I do believe it is "unlimited". Now, I don't use it to backup movies, my lavender library, or similar stuff. I do keep those on hard drives.

 

But, I've backed up several years of digital photos, PDF files of prior-year tax returns, PowerPoint presentations, training materials, and lots of other stuff I've created through the years. It currently totals about 10 gig.

 

I'm a big fan of the Kim Komando show on radio and heard of Carbonite through her. She's someone I trust and swears this is a reliable AND unlimited service.

 

http://www.komando.com/

 

I understand there are other services like Carbonite but I haven't tried them.

[+ deej]

Consider me odd man out here. I see online backups as a carefully contrived plot to separate the consumer from his money.

 

The hard disk issue is bogus. Their hard disks are just as likely to fail as yours are. More likely, actually, because they have so many more people using them.

 

Moreover, I'm unwilling to turn over my important backups to an external source I can't control, won't be able to access if they go tits up, or can't access if my net connection is down.

 

I just don't see the value.

[whipped guy]

I use Carbonite.com

 

Consider me odd man out here. Their hard disks are just as likely to fail as yours are.

 

Thanks guys for your input... as always it is good to consider different viewpoints!

 

As for the digital goddess Kim Kommando... I am in love with her as well. Unfortunately I am only rarely able to catch her radio program... but she certainly has many worthwhile tips and freebie tips as well!