jmpro

Q: I am planning on recycling an old iMac and Powerbook.  However, the display on the iMac is so messed up I can't read anything and the Powerbook is unusable (no power) so what do I do about erasing the hardrives for security?

I've been reading up on how to clean your hard drive so personal information can't be accessed, but if you can't get to your hard drive to clean it up, what are you supposed to do?  My town is offering an electronics recycling and I was hoping to drop off my old iMac and Powerbook.   I can turn the iMac on, but the display is really bad and almost unreadable.  The Powerbook is completely dead.   Any suggestions?  Thanks.

Posted on Jun 2, 2011 6:16 PM

Close

Q: I am planning on recycling an old iMac and Powerbook.  However, the display on the iMac is so messed up I can't read anything ... more

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Jeff,Helpful

    Jeff Jeff Jun 2, 2011 10:29 PM in response to jmpro
    Level 6 (11,559 points)
    Jun 2, 2011 10:29 PM in response to jmpro

    Since both computers have operational problems, I'd suggest removing the hard drives from them.  That way, you'll have possession of the drives and their data.  Considering their age, I doubt that the recycling program will attempt to repair these computers for donation to needy parties, but if you thought so, you could buy a $15 adapter that would let you connect the bare drive to a USB port on your functioning computer.  Once connected, you could erase the drives and reinstall them.  You didn't indicate which iMac you have, but if it's a G3 model, this Macworld article has illustrated directions for hardware upgrades, which would show you how to remove the hard drive.  If your iMac is a G3 (400 MHz or faster) with the additional VGA port concealed under the plastic door on the rear of its underside, you could connect a VGA display and attempt setting up video mirroring.  Once done, you could wipe the drive, while using the connected display to navigate through the procedure.  This would eliminate the need to open the bottom of the housing, to access the hard drive for removal.  As for the PowerBook, you could post a topic in its specific Forum (depending on the model) and request directions for hard drive removal.  Post back as to your preferred option, if you have any questions regarding it.

  • by jmpro,

    jmpro jmpro Jun 3, 2011 5:23 AM in response to Jeff
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 3, 2011 5:23 AM in response to Jeff

    Thank you, Jeff.  I had been doing some research last night and more or less came up with that same solution.  I did find an article regarding upgrading a drive on a Powerbook so I was able to remove that drive last night.  I will check out the article you provided to handle the iMac next.  I agree that these machines would likely not be eligible for any reuse/donation but I appreciate the suggestion about the adapter.  If anything were to happen to my current hardrive, that is good to know. 

  • by Appaloosa mac man,

    Appaloosa mac man Appaloosa mac man Jun 3, 2011 8:25 AM in response to jmpro
    Level 5 (4,330 points)
    Jun 3, 2011 8:25 AM in response to jmpro

    jmpro,

     

    Have you tried googling to find a macintosh user group near you?  I am sure someone would be willing to wipe the drive on the laptop in exchange for the parts.  Reuse by a new party is the best form of recycling.  As for the iMac, pull the drive, disassemble the drive with some torx bits and make wind chimes.  It is a shame to see drives crushed in the name of recycling.

     

    Ji~m