TomHart1
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Q: How do I erase the data from an eMac without the startup discs?

The eMac was given to me years ago, and I don't seem to have (or was never given) the startup discs. How thorough will using only the erase function on the disc utility under applications be? I will be recycling the computer via the BestBuy recycling program, so (I would hope) the concers about someone trying to retreive the data might be minimal. There probably is little if any usable data on the computer in any case.

Posted on Nov 3, 2013 5:52 AM

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TomHart1

Q: How do I erase the data from an eMac without the startup discs?

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  • by BDAqua,Helpful

    BDAqua BDAqua Nov 3, 2013 12:05 PM in response to TomHart1
    Level 10 (123,745 points)
    Nov 3, 2013 12:05 PM in response to TomHart1

    Hi Tom,

     

    Depending which OS version you're running, you can create a new aqdmin account, log out & into the new account, remove the old account, then use Disk Utility's Secure erase free space.

  • by TomHart1,

    TomHart1 TomHart1 Nov 3, 2013 3:24 PM in response to BDAqua
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 3, 2013 3:24 PM in response to BDAqua

    Thanks BDAqua! I've got the Disk Utility erase function running now, but I'm not sure that what I've got running is the "secure" erase. When it's done, I'll see if I can figure that out (unless you have any tips in the meantime). I'm not following your mention of why I would create a new admin account - ? I was able to go in and start the erase running without doing so. Can you explain why I'd have to create a new admin account, and/or if it's necessry?

     

    Thanks again. I appreciate your time and expertise.

  • by BDAqua,Helpful

    BDAqua BDAqua Nov 3, 2013 3:39 PM in response to TomHart1
    Level 10 (123,745 points)
    Nov 3, 2013 3:39 PM in response to TomHart1

    A new account so we don't have any personsal info of your original user left, you need to delete that account, then Secure erase to remove it.

     

    OK in 10.5.8 anyway, it's called Zero out deleted files.