sandra lfromatwater

Q: Clear IMacDV OS9.0.4 of all info for recycle, how?

I need to remove all personal information from my IMac DV OS 9.0.4 so I can recycle it.  How do I do it?

iMac, Mac OS 9.0.x

Posted on Feb 14, 2015 11:26 AM

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Q: Clear IMacDV OS9.0.4 of all info for recycle, how?

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  • by Jan Hedlund,Helpful

    Jan Hedlund Jan Hedlund Feb 14, 2015 1:38 PM in response to sandra lfromatwater
    Level 6 (9,889 points)
    Feb 14, 2015 1:38 PM in response to sandra lfromatwater

    To begin with, make sure that you have backup copies of all important files.

     

    If you have access to a bootable system CD, you could try to start the computer from that disc (hold down the C key). Look for a Drive Setup utility on the disc. If you find one, launch Drive Setup, select the hard drive and initialise it (choose Zero all data under Initialization options). This should overwrite everything on the hard disk. If you wish to sell or give away the computer, reinstall an operating system from the system CD.

     

    If you do not have access to the system CD, you could perhaps download an application called Burn 2.5 first, which may work even under Mac OS 9 (http://archive.info-mac.org/_Disk_&_File/). Then, manually move all files and folders (except a basic system folder) to the Trash. Check that everything relevant has been thrown away. Empty the Trash. Finally, run Burn 2.5 and erase the free space (you can choose different overwriting patterns and number of passes).

     

    Alternatively, you may possibly want to test a PowerPC version (2.0.0) of a utility called DBAN (http://sourceforge.net/projects/dban/files/dban/dban-2.0.0/). One can burn a CD-R from an iso file on a modern computer (Mac or PC). Once ready, hold down the C key and try to start the iMac from the CD-R. The disc contains a wiping utility.

     

    Verify that the hard disk is empty.

     

    If nothing else works, you could remove the hard drive and destroy it (sledge hammer). A place like ifixit.com has information about how to gain access to the drive.

     

    Jan

  • by sandra lfromatwater,Helpful

    sandra lfromatwater sandra lfromatwater Feb 14, 2015 3:00 PM in response to Jan Hedlund
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 14, 2015 3:00 PM in response to Jan Hedlund

    Thank you very much.  I was unable to find the Zero you mentioned but I did spend time removing all of my personal info and replacing it with a fictitious individual.  I will check with someone to make sure that is enough.  I went to the iifixit  web page and then went to youtube.  If I have to remove the hard drive I now know how.  You were a big help.  I wouldn't have even know where to start.

  • by sandra lfromatwater,Solvedanswer

    sandra lfromatwater sandra lfromatwater Feb 14, 2015 3:11 PM in response to Jan Hedlund
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 14, 2015 3:11 PM in response to Jan Hedlund

    Thank you very much.  Still getting use to this site.  I think I just thanked myself for your answer.  I did not find the Zero you mentioned.  But I did spend time putting a lot of stuff in the trash and replacing my name everywhere it appeared with a fictitious one. I am not sure if that is enough.   I appreciate your info about removing the hard drive.  There is a video on you tube that does just that with the identical computer I have. I wouldn't have known any of this without your help.

  • by Jan Hedlund,

    Jan Hedlund Jan Hedlund Feb 14, 2015 3:41 PM in response to sandra lfromatwater
    Level 6 (9,889 points)
    Feb 14, 2015 3:41 PM in response to sandra lfromatwater

    >I did not find the Zero you mentioned.

     

    Did you find the Drive Setup utility on a system CD? After launching the program you should see a list where one would select the drive. There should be a 'Functions' menu where 'Initialization Options' can be chosen. A window should appear where you can check a box 'Zero all data'.

     

    >But I did spend time putting a lot of stuff in the trash and replacing my name everywhere it appeared with a fictitious one. I am not sure if that is enough.

     

    Sorry, that is not enough. Putting files into the Trash, and emptying the Trash, only removes certain directory items, not the files themselves. It is necessary to overwrite files. So you should use one of the three methods (Zero all data in Drive Setup, erase free space in Burn 2.5 or wipe the entire hard disk via DBAN), unless you wish to open the computer and remove and destroy the drive.

     

    Jan

  • by sandra lfromatwater,

    sandra lfromatwater sandra lfromatwater Feb 14, 2015 3:47 PM in response to Jan Hedlund
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 14, 2015 3:47 PM in response to Jan Hedlund

    I could find only two discs - one is software install and the other is software restore.  I think I do not have the correct disc.  I am no longer able to access the internet on my iMac DV so I think I will be opening up the computer to remove the hard drive.  I really appreciate all of your help. 

  • by Jan Hedlund,

    Jan Hedlund Jan Hedlund Feb 14, 2015 4:01 PM in response to sandra lfromatwater
    Level 6 (9,889 points)
    Feb 14, 2015 4:01 PM in response to sandra lfromatwater

    OK. You could try inserting each disc (begin with the software install) and restart with the C key depressed. Look for Drive Setup.

     

    Yes, otherwise, you could of course disconnect and open the computer (according to instructions), and remove the hard drive. Good luck!

     

    Jan

  • by sandra lfromatwater,

    sandra lfromatwater sandra lfromatwater Feb 14, 2015 4:04 PM in response to Jan Hedlund
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 14, 2015 4:04 PM in response to Jan Hedlund

    Thank you so much.  Earlier today I had no idea what to do.  Because of your information, I have options.  I will be ready to recycle by Tuesday!