Destroying data permanently from old disks

[Cheryl Griffin]

And where classifed information needs to be erased, you will want to use a wipe utility that is DoD Compliant.

Cheryl

[Frank Slootweg]

Adding to the other responses (and pointers given in those responses):

Do *not* use mediainit! mediainit *may* make the disk *less reliable*, but you won't *know* one way or the other.

The "Why?" is rather long. If you really want to know, search on "mediainit" and my name and you should find some pointers. If not, do the same search on Google Groups.

[Robert R. Colp]

Martti-

You might consider checking the link:

http://www.lat.com

They have a program called unishread that might meet your requirements. I have not used this product, but based upon the write up on the site, it should serve your purposes.

We purchased a system with an external SCSI Hard Drive for classified information, then never used it!

Good luck.

Bob

[Bill McNAMARA_1]

Well, speaking of burning the disks, you gotta make sure you do it well... I've heard a story where some building of a company in Finland caught fire, and up went the computer room.

Apparently they were so interested in just one disk, which was badly fire damaged (warped + melted) that they paid a small fortune to have the data restored... I guess they must have moved the heads manually.. in any case, moral is: be a real man, use a needle an magnet!

Later,
Bill

[Martin Johnson]

We use a portable degausser to erase old disks and tapes before they leave the company.

HTH
Marty

[Bill McNAMARA_1]

LOL !

[Martin Johnson]

Bill,

It may be funny, but it is also scary. We have had operators bring down the wrong systems, use the wrong tapes for backups and type in the wrong year for a time changes. Scary stuff!

Marty

[Volker Borowski]

This suggests to bolt a heavy 2 meters chain to the floor an tie the other end to the degausser, so it can only be moved in its designated area :-)
Volker

[Bill McNAMARA_1]

I'd suggest tying it to the operator and sending him fishing...

Later,
Bill

[Martin Johnson]

Actually the degausser is no in the data center, but the warehouse. It is used prior to packing for shipment.

Marty