When it comes time to get rid of a computer, you need to take the right steps to protect any sensitive information that might still be on it. To do so, you will need to get your hard drive cleaned. Manually erasing files one-by-one or reformatting your hard drive is not going to do the trick. You need to have it cleaned.
The cost of getting a hard drive cleaned is not a set figure. The cost simply depends on which avenue you take to clean your hard drive. You can potentially pay hundreds of dollars or even do it yourself for free.
Here is a breakdown on some of the cost of getting a hard drive cleaned. If there is information stored on the hard drive you will need, make sure to back it up first.
Physically Destroying The Hard Drive
If you are disposing of the computer and not trying to re-sell it, physically destroying the hard drive is a great way to ensure sensitive information does not leak out. There are a few ways of destroying hard drives.
Hammer
This might be your favorite because it comes with a healthy dose of destruction. Taking a hammer — or hammer and nail — to a hard drive will completely destroy it and the information left on it will not longer be retrievable. This is actually a very common practice among computer owners.
Degausser
This ruins the magnetic field of the hard drive and therefore destroys the information. If you use a Degausser wand, the hard drive will not be usable again. The cost of getting a hard drive cleaned with a Degausser includes the cost of the wand, which is about $500. Professionals can also do this for you, which will cut down on the price.
Data Destruction Software
If you want the hard drive to be usable after cleaning, you will want to use data destruction software, to make sure that all of your information is removed from your computer. This type of software ranges in price. Some of them are free, while others are $40 to $60. It is important to read reviews on each software before using them. After all, your privacy is on the line.
Trust The Professionals
Cleaning a hard drive yourself can result in errors. Those who are trained in such a process are more reliable. If you want to contact a local IT professional to take care of this, use TalkLocal. We let you skip the long search process and find the right professional for you right away.
