tomfromgualala
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: How can I destroy a non functioning hard drive?

I have two external hard drives that will physically not start up so I cannot erase them.  How do I make sure the data can never be accessed?  I am a pro photographer and used one of them as a back up.  Thanks for any help. 

Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on May 24, 2013 4:10 PM

by Jeff,Solvedanswer
Jeff Jeff
Level 6 (11,559 points)
A:

Do these drives have a separate power supply or are they bus-powered, through connection of the USB cable to the computer?  In either case, the circuit board in the enclosure may be at fault, and the hard drive itself may be functional.  If you can't get them to start up, you can always open the enclosures.  With some brand external drives, the enclosure can be opened by removing screws.  With other brands, the enclosure is plastic and snaps together.  With this type, you may break some catches securing the upper and lower housings together when attempting to open it.  A web search for disassembly of your particular brand drive may provide a web page or YouTube video showing how to open the enclosure.   Once you've removed the bare drive from the enclosure, you can connect one of these simple adapters to the back of it (has a separate power supply when needed) and connect the USB cable to the computer.  If the drive is still good, you can find replacement enclosures at computer stores.  If the drives are bad, you can open up the hard drive itself (usually requires one or two different-sized, small TORX screwdrivers) and remove the platters.

Posted on May 24, 2013 10:32 PM

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tomfromgualala

Q: How can I destroy a non functioning hard drive?

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  • by Allan Jones,Helpful

    Allan Jones Allan Jones May 24, 2013 6:55 PM in response to tomfromgualala
    Level 8 (35,331 points)
    iPad
    May 24, 2013 6:55 PM in response to tomfromgualala

    If you feel like taking out frustrations, smash them with a big hammer--please wear safety glsses when doing this.

     

    Professionals put the drive on a drill press and make 3-4 holes completely through the drive body and platter with a 1/4-inch (6mm) drill bit.

  • by Jeff,Solvedanswer

    Jeff Jeff May 24, 2013 10:32 PM in response to tomfromgualala
    Level 6 (11,559 points)
    May 24, 2013 10:32 PM in response to tomfromgualala

    Do these drives have a separate power supply or are they bus-powered, through connection of the USB cable to the computer?  In either case, the circuit board in the enclosure may be at fault, and the hard drive itself may be functional.  If you can't get them to start up, you can always open the enclosures.  With some brand external drives, the enclosure can be opened by removing screws.  With other brands, the enclosure is plastic and snaps together.  With this type, you may break some catches securing the upper and lower housings together when attempting to open it.  A web search for disassembly of your particular brand drive may provide a web page or YouTube video showing how to open the enclosure.   Once you've removed the bare drive from the enclosure, you can connect one of these simple adapters to the back of it (has a separate power supply when needed) and connect the USB cable to the computer.  If the drive is still good, you can find replacement enclosures at computer stores.  If the drives are bad, you can open up the hard drive itself (usually requires one or two different-sized, small TORX screwdrivers) and remove the platters.

  • by Appaloosa mac man,Helpful

    Appaloosa mac man Appaloosa mac man Jun 3, 2013 9:10 PM in response to tomfromgualala
    Level 5 (4,330 points)
    Jun 3, 2013 9:10 PM in response to tomfromgualala

    Home Depot sells mini torx srew drivers that allow you to disassemble the drives.  Save the magnets and then drill the platters to make wind chimes.  It is a good educational activity and you save the planet some otherwise wasted resources.