Is It Safe to Sell Used Hard Drives? Your Must-Do Tips Are Here
Your system data comprises all of your personal information, passwords, records, business documents, bank statements, tax documents, visa application forms, private details, home addresses, contact lists, and much more.
Before selling a used hard drive, we all attempt to delete all data. But not everyone realizes that simply deleting all of the files and selling them isn't enough, and even those who do aren't sure how to do it. If you're thinking about selling your old hard drive, you're undoubtedly wondering is it safe to sell a used hard drive?
Many people do not take the necessary steps to completely delete their data, putting it at risk of being recoverable by anyone. This article will answer the question, "Is it safe to sell used hard drives?"
| Workable Solutions | Step-by-step Troubleshooting |
|---|---|
| Fix 1. Use Qiling Disk Master to Wipe Disk Data | Step 1. Run Qiling Disk Master. Click the "Wipe Disk" tab. Step 2. Select the targeted HDD or SSD...Full steps |
| Fix 2. Use Hammer or Hard Drive Destroyer | Step 1. Launch the CPR tool in your system and connect with your system...Full steps |
| Fix 3. Reset This PC on Windows | Step 1. Open Settings in your PC. Step 2. Click on Update and security...Full steps |
Before we begin, let's look at some real-life examples of selling an old hard drive.
"I am selling my used hard drive. I have deleted all the data, files, and partitions. But how can I know whether the data is completely deleted and my hard drive is ready to be sold?"
"I was planning on selling my used hard drive, and I attempted to delete all of the data. I tried to recover the data only to ensure it couldn't be recovered. Surprisingly, all of the data was easily restored, leading me to believe that simply removing the partition, folders, and data is enough. I need a permanent solution and a safe approach to wipe off my data completely. So, how do I wipe my hard drive before selling?"
The following are two scenarios that could occur before you sell your used hard drive:
- Is it possible to sell a formatted hard drive?
This is a dangerous situation. If you format them, you will not delete your files, and other data recovery software can recover your critical information.
- Is it possible to sell a hard drive after it has been destroyed?
It's secure. To make data inaccessible, use third-party software or a hammer.
Before selling your used hard drive, there are a few methods for wiping off data. So, in response to your query, "How do I wipe my hard drive before selling it? Let's have a look at the methods.
Try Safe Method to Remove Data Before Sell Second Hand Hard Disk
If the hard drive has is formatted, selling it is risky. When the data is not correctly wiped out, anyone can quickly recover it. There are various methods for wiping out your hard drive listed below.
Method 1. Use Qiling Disk Master to Wipe Disk Data Completely
If you want to delete data from an old hard drive safely and securely before selling it, Qiling Disk Master is the preferred option. Qiling Disk Master is a helpful tool for wiping your drives or partitions in only a few clicks. It lets you erase data and ensure that anyone cannot recover your sensitive information. Qiling Disk Master also deletes disk partitions.
Step 1. Run Qiling Disk Master. Click the "Wipe Disk" tab.
Step 2. Select the targeted HDD or SSD to wipe.
Notice: Please make sure you have chosen the correct HDD or SSD. Once the wiping starts, your data is irrecoverable.
Step 3. Choose Wiping Method.
Choose a suitable wiping method. Recommend Qiling Secure Erase!
Step 4. Check the warning message and click "Proceed" to confirm.
Step 5. Wait for wiping finish.
Some of the salient features of Qiling Bit Wiper are listed below:
- Completely wipes off data, including partitions and files
- Wipes out non-system disk such as HDD and SSD
- It shreds files and folder
- Capable of erasing multiple disks and partitions
- A high-speed data destruction software to save time
- 100% secure data wipe
Qiling Disk Master is a perfect, safe and secure solution, but it is restricted to Windows Operating systems 11/10/8.1/8/7, Server 2012-2022.
Method 2. Use Hammer or Hard Drive Destroyer
For a quick one-step hard drive treasure we also recommend you to try using Hammer™. It's a dependable program that can wipe user data from up to four PATA/SATA hard discs. Hammer™ is a secure erasing tool capable of erasing four hard drives at once. You can even use a USB to connect multiple hammers. The following are some of the beneficial features of the Hammer™ Secure erase hard drive:
- It securely erases data and eliminates the possibility of data retrieval.
- It has the ability to generate Auto Partitioning.
- It's a UDMA transfer at a high speed.
- It validates that all data has been erased after a safe erasure.
- Hard disks and optical devices can be connected via SATA and PATA interfaces.
- It's a compact, self-contained device.
- Setup is simple and convenient.
- Capable of handling 4 drives at once
- It allows multiple hammer connections via USB to a single computer
How does it work?
Hammer™'s works are perfectly fine with or without the use of companion software. Simply connect the Hammer™ to your computer to get started. Activate the CPR Toolbox 5.0 application. Connect the hammer to the drive. You can link up to four hammer drives together. Turn on the hammer once all of the connections have been made. Any hammer attached to it will be identified by the software. All of the drives will be erased automatically. You will not be able to utilize the hard drive while it is being erased.
Step 1. Launch the CPR tool in your system and connect with your system. It will show the number of drives attached with Hammer™.
Step 2. Select Hammer 100488
Hammer™ will automatically detect the drive and erase data from it.
Method 3. Reset This PC on Windows
It is vital to remove data, especially before selling it. PCs are usually reset when they have minor issues, such as a slow system, a dead battery, or a malfunctioning app. This method works well for keeping your information inaccessible.
To reset This PC on windows, below are the steps you can follow
Step 1. Open Settings in your PC.
Step 2. Click on Update and security.
Step 3. Go to System, click "Recovery".
Step 4. Click the Reset this PC button.
Step 5. Click on the Remove everything option. It will permanently remove all the data and files from your PC. It will also uninstall the Windows. You can download them again on your PC.
Step 6. Click on Cloud download to install new windows for your system.
Step 7. Select the Change settings option.
Step 8. Click on Turn on Download Windows and select "Confirm".
Step 9. Click next and your PC will be reset.
Final Thoughts
To summarise the discussion, we've seen several approaches to answering your question, "How do I wipe my hard drive before selling?" and how to completely erase the data before selling it. Many people are unaware that their data has been erased; they format the drive once and sell it. It puts your data in danger because anyone can recover it. For this purpose, we recommend the three approaches listed above.
You can choose the method that best meets your needs. However, we recommend using Qiling Disk Master, a third-party utility. This software is feasible because it assures a complete data wipe that cannot be recovered. It deletes the system disk and wipes out data from non-system disks such as SSD and HDD. You can download the software from Qiling Disk Master's official website. Download it and look for yourself.
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