I have a 2007 Macbook Pro 15 inch. When I turn it on, eventually I get the message that the hard drive can't be found. I've replaced the computer with a new model, and I want to dispose of it. But I know I need to clear all the personal information off it. How can I do it? Can I boot it up by connecting it to my new Macbook pro?
Macbook pro
Buy an enclosure for the hard drive from OWC - USB enclosures can be had for as little as $20. Once you have the drive in the enclosure, plug it in and boot up normally from your new internal drive. Use Disk Utility to securely erase the 'old' drive (if it can be erased) using the secure erase method.
Good luck,
Clinton
Since the drive is not working which means you cannot reuse the drive. The easiest way to dispose of the hard drive is to physically destroy the drive.
Wise choice to protect your personal info. First off, take the drive out of the Mac. Detailed pics on how to do it can be found in www.ifixit.com in the repair section, just pick your model. Once it is out, you can sell the Mac as-is, driveless. No other information remains in there.
As for the drive, you can keep it and use it as a doorstop, paperholder, etc. Or for a real geeky decoration, take the lid off so the platters are visible and nail it to the wall.
Courcoul wrote:
Or for a real geeky decoration, take the lid off so the platters are visible and nail it to the wall.
Geek chic decorating ideas, hunh? I think I'll start a RAM collage...
Clinton
My hard drive no longer works. How can I erase it?
