roadrunner888

Q: Securely delete data from Emac

I am trying to clean up an old Emac for family member so that it can be disposed of.

 

I have looked at Disk Utility but there does not appear to be a free space "scrubber" so not sure how to make sure disk is clean for disposal. We do not have the original OSX disk that would have been supplied with the machine when purchased.

 

Forum has always come up trumps before -  thanks!

Emac, iOS 3.0

Posted on Sep 29, 2014 4:16 AM

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Q: Securely delete data from Emac

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  • by John Galt,Helpful

    John Galt John Galt Sep 29, 2014 6:43 AM in response to roadrunner888
    Level 8 (48,628 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 29, 2014 6:43 AM in response to roadrunner888


    If you want to securely erase the data, you need to do more than just erase free space anyway.


    We do not have the original OSX disk that would have been supplied with the machine when purchased.

     

    That fact precludes using Disk Utility to completely erase the disk's contents. However, if you have serious concerns regarding the information it contains, the only method I rely upon is to physically remove the hard disk drive from the eMac's case and destroy it. Use appropriate eye and ear protection.

  • by BDAqua,

    BDAqua BDAqua Sep 29, 2014 10:33 AM in response to roadrunner888
    Level 10 (123,506 points)
    Sep 29, 2014 10:33 AM in response to roadrunner888

    Or...

     

    Open System Preferences>Accounts, unlock the lock, click on the little plus icon, make a new admin account, log out & into the new account.

    In the same pref pane highlight your old account, click the little minus icon, then use Disk Utility to Secure Erase Free Space.

  • by Jan Hedlund,Helpful

    Jan Hedlund Jan Hedlund Sep 29, 2014 5:44 PM in response to roadrunner888
    Level 6 (9,869 points)
    Sep 29, 2014 5:44 PM in response to roadrunner888

    Alternatively, you may want to look for and test an old PowerPC version (dban-2.0.0_powerpc.iso) of a utility called DBAN (free). The idea is to use a Mac or PC to burn a CD-R from the .iso file. That CD should boot an eMac (if the C key is depressed at startup). The CD contains a disk wiping application.

     

    Jan