It is all well and good if someone isn't worried and feels it is OK just to throw out a hard drive, but it seems irresponsible to tell a large list of this type that it is OK to "simply re-format it and it will be absolutely empty" or "if the hard drive no longer works, why bother". Incorrect information like that can lead those who are less computer savvy to make disastrous decisions. Thanks to Nivard for pointing out that reformatting a hard drive absolutely does not remove the data and a non-working hard drive is child's play for one with good computer skills. Pat in Toledo > There are many levels to safety but they all boil down to fear and I suppose I just have none. > > > > On Apr 13, 2012, at 8:28 AM, Nivard Ovington wrote: > > Hi G > > It may well be overkill but I for one would sooner be safe than sorry > > Just formatting a hard drive does not stop someone with the right skills extracting data > > If a user hasn't used internet banking or any other form of credit or investment facility on their computer fare enough it may not matter much but if they have it makes sense to ensure no one else can get at it > > Nivard Ovington in Cornwall (UK) > Velma, > > If you are concerned about someone retrieving the data from your hard drive, just simply re-format it and it will be absolutely empty and ready for someone to load new stuff. > > If the hard drive no longer works, why bother? > >