Need to wipe HD on ancient clamshell iBook

Hello again,

Before you continue, take another look at the contents of the hard disk. There may be documents, photos et cetera that you want to save. If so, you could copy the files to a USB flash drive for a transfer to another computer for backup purposes.

Then, start up from the CD containing Drive Setup while holding down the C key. Make sure that the iBook has started from the CD, not the hard disk (the hard disk should not be top right any more). Launch the Drive Setup application.

Next, select the iBook's hard drive from the List of Drives. Look for a Functions menu (in the menu bar). Choose Initialization Options. Select Zero all data (this will overwrite everything). Click OK. Choose to Initialize the selected drive. Check the progress. Once the process is finished, the hard disk should be completely empty. Double-check this. You may want to repeat the procedure once or twice.

Depending upon the exact Drive Setup version, the above may be slightly different.

Finally, you could use the Installer on the CD to install a fresh system onto the empty iBook hard disk. Check that everything looks OK.

By the way, an iBook without a hard drive would have a lower market value. It could stlll be of interest. However, if you decide to open the computer and remove the hard drive, you also run the risk of damaging parts inside. Removing the hard drive from a Clamshell iBook is not without complication.

Good luck!

Hi,

Which exact iBook Clamshell model?

https://everymac.com/systems/apple/ibook/index-ibook.html

Do you have one of the original Mac OS 8.6 to 9 system software CDs? If so, what happens if you try to start from a disc in the optical drive while holding down the C key? Is there a Drive Setup application to be seen somewhere?

http://manuals.info.apple.com/Apple_Support_Area/Manuals/ibook/0340890AIBOOKUG.PDF

If the computer is only going to be recycled as as opposed to being reused or becoming a museum/collection exhibit, you can physically remove the hard drive. The drive is near the end of the "remove this part" list but the steps are straightforward and usually require tools no more complex than a Torx screwdriver.

Apple does not allow us to post links to take-apart sites but they are easy for find with a web search, such as "clamshell ibook remove hard drive"

Addendum

Look for a Drive Setup application inside a folder called something like Utilities or Disk Tools on the CD.

Just as a side note, iBook Clamshell computers are popular with collectors and design enthusiasts. For example, an eBay search (show sold items only) should give you a picture of an estimated market value.