I have a performa 475 and want to erase everything before I dispose of it

There are limited software options available for older, short of deleting any files you are particularly worried about, the filling up the disk by duplicating a large file until there is no free space left. This will overwrite most deleted data still on the disk.

If you are really concerned about the data, the easiest way is to buy a set of Torx screwdrivers, remove the drive, and disassemble it, then rub the surfaces of the platters with steel wool. Should take about 10-15 minutes all up, and is pretty extreme, but I defy anyone to get the data back.

Do you have access to the Disk Tools floppy for the computer in question? If so, start from the floppy and use Apple HD SC Setup to initialise the hard disk.

In order to improve the level of security, you could drag-copy the system folder of the Disk Tools floppy onto the then empty hard disk (with a bit of luck, this should provide you with a temporary operating system on the hard drive, making it possible to use the floppy drive). After that you could try to copy a randomly chosen larger file to the hard disk, and duplicate it (as suggested by Alex). Alternatively, use Wipe Info (part of Norton Utilities) or Burn 2.5 (freeware, here) to erase free space. Or, if the hard drive is not needed, use a sledge.

Jan

I think even HD SC setup has an option to "Write Zeroes" onto the entire data area of the Hard Drive. That eliminates all traces of the data, and is good for anything except Nuclear secrets (they require several passes with random data).

If you can, installing any version of Mac OS onto that Mac may save it from the crusher, because they will be able to see that it is working.

Hi Grant,

I have not discovered that option yet, but the program appears to do a good job anyway (it seems to be a fairly thorough formatting) 🙂

An alternative, as you already know, would be to use Drive Setup 1.7.3, where one can choose to "Zero all data". However, that would also require a modification of the startup (Disk Tools) floppy.

Regards,
Jan

Jan-

Your memory is impeccable. I stand corrected.

The destructive option I was thinking of is called "Low-level Format" which does claim to re-write the data blocks, checks for bad blocks, and substitutes spares.