Found old graphite clamshell iBook - need help

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Level 1

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Found old graphite clamshell iBook - need help

I have old clamshell IBook laptop. Don’t need anything saved from it, but really need to “wipe” it for safety. All personal files deleted a few hours ago and trash is empty, but how can I be sure those old private files can’t be retrieved by a savvy buyer/possible hacker? Also, can’t get CD Slot to open. i do have original installation disks, but can’t open tray. Refuse to pay $100 for local Apple service to wipe this because I’d lose money! Just trying to wipe it & sell it as is. Any support/suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

Posted on May 5, 2018 10:02 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Jan Hedlund

Level 7

24,241 points

May 5, 2018 7:06 PM in response to Helplostuser

Have you tried to open the CD-ROM tray using a paper clip?

If this iBook G3 clamshell is a FireWire model, you could connect it (acting as an external hard drive) to another appropriate Mac in FireWire target disk mode. Utilities on that second Mac could then be used to wipe the hard drive in the clamshell iBook.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT1661

iBook G3 clamshell models have the ability to boot from USB. So, if you already have Mac OS 8.6 or 9.x on the hard disk, it may be possible to create a bootable USB flash drive. Please post back if additional information is needed.

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Answer 2

Jan Hedlund

Level 7

24,241 points

May 5, 2018 7:27 PM in response to Jan Hedlund

Addendum

If the tray can be opened (via the little hole for a paper clip), it should be possible to start up from a system CD (holding down the C key). If so, look for a Drive Setup utility on the disc. In Drive Setup one can choose to "Zero all data" (under Initialization Options).

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Found old graphite clamshell iBook - need help

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