How to erase hard drive before giving computer away?

[Benvolio]

My ten year old computer is so corrupted it is virtually unusable. I have decided to buy a new one and give the old one to Goodwill. I think it would work OK if a new operating system were installed. BUT I want to be sure my info is erased before giving it away. If I erase everything including the OS that is ok.

 

[sixthson]

Are you sure any charity wants a 10 year old computer? Most of them are particular about accepting electronics.

 

[futilis1]

Darik's Boot And Nuke

 

[Benvolio]

Are you sure any charity wants a 10 year old computer? Most of them are particular about accepting electronics.

No, I am not sure. Last time I put it with the garbage and someone driving but took it. In any event, I want it empty.

 

[Stardreamer]

You want to get a good disc cleaning application that will overwrite all the sectors of the disk multiple times.

 

[opinterph]

Are you sure any charity wants a 10 year old computer? Most of them are particular about accepting electronics.

Charities in my area request donation of old computers -- even if they are no longer operational.

In any event, I want it empty.

Choose a secure erase method to overwrite the data itself.

How to securely erase your hard drive​

 

[Orlandude]

Just delete all files and physically remove the hard drive and destroy it.

 

[lambdaboy]

I had a 5 year old inexpensive lap top which I replaced by a Dell Alien 51. I Took out my hard drive opened it and destroyed it. The computer I gave to a neighbour who went to a company that pays you for the gold inside he got $15 and I do not have to worry about some one finding my bank accounts. The Alien 51 is so fast its unreal.

 

[Diodorus]

Here is some good info.
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/fixtheproblem/ht/wipe-hard-drive.htm

 

[cgymike]

Best to take a sledgehammer to it. Cannot be restored after multiple direct hammer hits.