Old PC's are goldmine for data thieves

[Bobrobert]

Thanks SuperSparks.
Also, I guess that just protecting against identity theft, that there is a point where any attempts to read the platter would be too expensive, even if it were possible. OK, so sanding is going to be my method!

[SuperSparks]

I guess that just protecting against identity theft, that there is a point where any attempts to read the platter would be too expensive, even if it were possible.

That is very true, even overwriting with a couple of passes with something like Eraser will force anyone who is trying to get the data to use some very sophisticated and expensive equipment indeed. And that';s apart from the fact that it is a very time consuming process. Considering how many easier ways there are to get info in order to commit identity theft, I can't imagine any criminals would ever take the trouble. On the other hand, if they knew that the drive originally came from a bank then they might well do, which is why those sort of institutions ought to destroy every drive IMO.