Erasing CD or DVD RWs

[Rik]

I know that re-formatting an HD does not, irretrievably, delete data.

Does anyone know if the same is true for optical disks formatted by Nero's InCD?

TIA

[Inactive]

You are asking us Rik..that's a first..

As you would have guessed, I have no idea..sorry.

[Nerval]

Got to be the same principle.  It certainly doesn't go over it writing zeros, so if you know how to do it, you can read what was there before.

[Rik]

I had a feeling that might be the case, Nerv, but none of the 'over-writers' I have will touch an optical disk, presumably because of the filing system.

Oh, well, a bit of sand papering is called for...

[Inactive]

I do know photo's on Memory Cards can be retrieved, even if formatted, so as Nerv suggests, perhaps this would be the same.

[RJM]

Destroy them - at the price they are,  it is not worth the risk.

For hard drives, this is good & free:-

http://dban.sourceforge.net/

[Rik]

Thanks, everyone. I usually destroy HDs with a pair of bolt cutters or a heavy hammer, but given the way CDs/DVDs shatter, I think I'll use a blowtorch this time. Just as effective, much less dangerous.

[William]

Apply a six-inch nail. Generously.

[Rik]

Tried that - they still shatter.

[Nerval]

In the olden days you could have put them on the fire 

Brillo pad is slightly less pyromaniac than a blow torch and also less fun.
Or put in a stout cotton bag and bash to bits.

But what HAVE you got on there??  (Don't answer that) 

[Rik]

Financial data and lots of letters between me, my GP and my shrink. None of which would I want to be available to anyone else... 

[siege2]

get a dvd, cd destroyer 

my collegue bought one

and here it is http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=4955

[Rik]

Any idea of a UK supplier, Siege?

[Inactive]

Rik, some paper shredders will take CD/DVD's.

Just a thought..

[Rik]

Thanks for that, the ones I have will eat credit cards - whether I want them to or not - but not the tougher CD. Anyway, a little blowtorching will be fun!

[Inactive]

Indeed... can we see the video on Youtube?

[Rik]

Of the blowtorching or the original data?

[Inactive]

I was sort of hoping to see your hands getting warmish.. 

[Rik]

You might see a vice getting warmish, but trust me, my hands would be well clear. Of course, the beard might catch fire...

[siege2]

Hi Rik sorry for the delay

My collegue has told me it was a gift but here goes, a UK source for a cd destroyer

http://www.maplin.co.uk/free_uk_delivery/CD_Data_Destroyer_35380/CD_Data_Destroyer_35380.htm
 

[siege2]

whoops  , Maplin dont stock them anymore, this other company do though,
https://www.fastweb.co.uk/repro-secure/acatalog/CD_Data_Destroyer.html

or if your adventures then try this http://www.ciao.co.uk/Storage_Accessories_5221280_3-cd_destroyer

[siege2]

more more 

http://pec.co.uk/oscommerce-2.2ms2/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=47_81&products_id=777

[Rik]

Thanks for all that, Siege, your efforts are much appreciated.