Rich Locasso

Q: I want to give away or sell a 6500/250 running 7.6.1. How can the hard disk be erased so that the data are gone, not recoverable? thanks, LifeisRich

I want to give away or sell a 6500/250 running 7.6.1. How can the hard disk be erased so that the data are gone, not recoverable? thanks, LifeisRich

PowerMac, Mac OS 8.6 or Earlier, 6500/250

Posted on Aug 13, 2012 11:38 AM

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Q: I want to give away or sell a 6500/250 running 7.6.1. How can the hard disk be erased so that the data are gone, not recoverable? ... more

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  • by Don Archibald,Solvedanswer

    Don Archibald Don Archibald Aug 13, 2012 11:49 AM in response to Rich Locasso
    Level 10 (101,435 points)
    Aug 13, 2012 11:49 AM in response to Rich Locasso

    You would need to boot the machine to an OS Install CD, then run Drive Setup. Select the drive in the list presented in Drive Setup's main window, then go to the Functions menu and grom the Initialization Options item select either Low Level or Zero All Data, whichever is offered. Then click the Initialize button.

     

    Note that a Zero All Data wipe can take a while, about one hour per 10GB of drive size.

     

    The result will be a wipe that is sufficient for most folk; however, data can be recovered by a reasonably astute person using the correct software.

     

    If you want to make sure, do one of the following -

     

    • Repeat the wipe using Drive Setup 5 to 7 times.

     

    • Remove and destroy the drive. This can be fun when using a sledgehammer to do the wrecking of the drive.

  • by Jeff,Helpful

    Jeff Jeff Aug 13, 2012 11:48 PM in response to Rich Locasso
    Level 6 (11,559 points)
    Aug 13, 2012 11:48 PM in response to Rich Locasso

    "I want to give away or sell a 6500/250 running 7.6.1."

     

    Good luck!  I've got a pair of 6500s (225 MHz and 275 MHz) in mint condition, running OS 8.6 or 9.1.  Unfortunately, the number of people interested in a 1997-vintage Apple computer is shrinking by the day.  At least six years ago - maybe more, I had stopped by a warehouse where I routinely bought reclaimed Apple equipment.  At the time, I was focused on the beige G3s that were in stock.  The owner showed me a recent acquisition of (20) Power Mac 6500-250s, that had probably been pulled from the local school system.  Typically, those models had the very small capacity hard drive installed - possibly 4 GBs.  When he asked me if I knew anyone who might be interested in them, I had to honestly tell him no, but offered to pass along the word.  The best use for an old 6500 is an MP3 player, because the internal speaker functions as a sub-woofer, when external speakers are plugged into the audio output jack on the rear.  I ran a patched version of iTunes with OS 8.5.1 and 8.6 on my 6500s, but iTunes isn't an option for OS 7.6.1.

  • by Rich Locasso,

    Rich Locasso Rich Locasso Aug 16, 2012 8:37 AM in response to Don Archibald
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Aug 16, 2012 8:37 AM in response to Don Archibald

    Thank you Don, I appreciate your help. This should do it and could be quick because the hard disk is only 2 GB.  Thanks again,

     

    Best,

    Richie

    Huntington Beach, CA

  • by Rich Locasso,

    Rich Locasso Rich Locasso Aug 16, 2012 8:40 AM in response to Jeff
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Aug 16, 2012 8:40 AM in response to Jeff

    Thanks much Jeff, much appreciated. I've had the 6500 since new  and still have the original monitor and HP 870 printer and software discs and even the shipping boxes and it breaks my heart that someone somewhere can't use it. Know what I mean? Thanks again,

     

    Best,

    Richie

    Huntington Beach, CA

  • by Jeff,Helpful

    Jeff Jeff Aug 16, 2012 8:55 PM in response to Rich Locasso
    Level 6 (11,559 points)
    Aug 16, 2012 8:55 PM in response to Rich Locasso

    I'd recommend that you check for Mac User Group(s) in Orange County.  That's where you'd likely find a diehard Mac fanatic who might want to add your 6500 to his/her collection.  Even if you got nothing for it, it would be better than e-cycling it.  I upgraded my 6500/275 with what was a "large" hard drive at the time (15 GBs), maxed the memory at 128 MBs, installed the 512K L2 cache card, a better ATI Rage Pro PCI graphics card, a USB PCI card, and an internal 56K modem.  With it running OS 9.1, it did all of the pre-OS X stuff I needed it to do.  As I previously mentioned, it's a nice-sounding MP3 player.  Internet Explorer 5.1.7 (the final release from 2001) kept it useful for surfing the web up until 2005, when it became too outdated/incompatible with many web sites.  Unfortunately, the demands of the internet and the need for a modern browser, as well as faster processing to digest it all, are what retired many older Macs from active duty.  So my (2) 6500s and (3) 6400s (same tower design) sit in storage.  There is one concern that I'll pass along: The motherboard has a 4.5-volt alkaline battery, that's a small, black plastic cube, secured in place by velcro.  If your 6500 has been disconnected from electricity for a long time, the battery will undoubtedly be dead.  Unlike the many Apple computers that used a small ½AA lithium battery (that I've never seen leak when completely dead), the 6500's battery can and usually does start leaking.  Because the motherboard sits vertically oriented on its side edge when installed, the leaking battery will drip alkaline solution down the board, corroding any components in it path.  I've seen motherboards ruined from this.  If you're going to give it away or sell it, you might want to pull the motherboard (remove the two machine screws on the rear I/O panel, next to the pull tabs).  Slide out the board and unplug the battery's small connector (has red & black wires), then lift up on the battery, while holding down the "toothed" velcro mount with something non-conductive, like a popsicle stick.  Once it's free, dispose of the battery.  If you're interested, a replacement can be purchased for about $5-$7 from battery specialty retailers - it's a Rayovac 870 or 871.  Even if you don't replace it, removing one that will eventually leak is a good idea, (hopefully) before any damage is done. 

  • by Rich Locasso,

    Rich Locasso Rich Locasso Aug 17, 2012 8:39 AM in response to Jeff
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Aug 17, 2012 8:39 AM in response to Jeff

    Wow -  Jeff - U R 2 much. The OC user's group is a great idea. It's a good group, I've been a member in the past, will follow up your excellent suggestion. Re the battary, that's amazing info. I've made a hard copy of your entire message for myself or a new owner should I be able to find one. thanks again, you really hit the nail on the head!

     

    Best,

    RichieRich

    Huntington Beach