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Technical News & Discussion => Windows News & Discussion => Topic started by: Rik on Feb 20, 2007, 16:17:50

Title: Erasing CD or DVD RWs
Post by: Rik on Feb 20, 2007, 16:17:50
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
Title: Re: Erasing CD or DVD RWs
Post by: Inactive on Feb 20, 2007, 16:20:50
You are asking us Rik..that's a first..

As you would have guessed, I have no idea..sorry. :)
Title: Re: Erasing CD or DVD RWs
Post by: Nerval on Feb 20, 2007, 16:51:59
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.
Title: Re: Erasing CD or DVD RWs
Post by: Rik on Feb 20, 2007, 16:57:55
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...
Title: Re: Erasing CD or DVD RWs
Post by: Inactive on Feb 20, 2007, 16:58:42
I do know photo's on Memory Cards can be retrieved, even if formatted, so as Nerv suggests, perhaps this would be the same.
Title: Re: Erasing CD or DVD RWs
Post by: RJM on Feb 20, 2007, 17:10:45
Destroy them - at the price they are,  it is not worth the risk.

For hard drives, this is good & free:-

http://dban.sourceforge.net/
Title: Re: Erasing CD or DVD RWs
Post by: Rik on Feb 20, 2007, 17:20:10
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. :)
Title: Re: Erasing CD or DVD RWs
Post by: William on Feb 20, 2007, 17:24:55
Apply a six-inch nail. Generously.
Title: Re: Erasing CD or DVD RWs
Post by: Rik on Feb 20, 2007, 17:38:39
Tried that - they still shatter. :)
Title: Re: Erasing CD or DVD RWs
Post by: Nerval on Feb 20, 2007, 17:42:29
In the olden days you could have put them on the fire  :laugh:

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)  :police:
Title: Re: Erasing CD or DVD RWs
Post by: Rik on Feb 20, 2007, 17:46:59
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...  ;)
Title: Re: Erasing CD or DVD RWs
Post by: siege2 on Feb 20, 2007, 20:38:41
get a dvd, cd destroyer  :D

my collegue bought one

and here it is http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=4955
Title: Re: Erasing CD or DVD RWs
Post by: Rik on Feb 21, 2007, 00:03:50
Any idea of a UK supplier, Siege?
Title: Re: Erasing CD or DVD RWs
Post by: Inactive on Feb 21, 2007, 00:17:37
Rik, some paper shredders will take CD/DVD's.

Just a thought..
Title: Re: Erasing CD or DVD RWs
Post by: Rik on Feb 21, 2007, 00:33:11
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!
Title: Re: Erasing CD or DVD RWs
Post by: Inactive on Feb 21, 2007, 00:46:01
Indeed... can we see the video on Youtube?


;D ;D
Title: Re: Erasing CD or DVD RWs
Post by: Rik on Feb 21, 2007, 00:46:59
Of the blowtorching or the original data? :)
Title: Re: Erasing CD or DVD RWs
Post by: Inactive on Feb 21, 2007, 00:53:32
I was sort of hoping to see your hands getting warmish..  :banana2: :out:
Title: Re: Erasing CD or DVD RWs
Post by: Rik on Feb 21, 2007, 00:55:16
You might see a vice getting warmish, but trust me, my hands would be well clear. Of course, the beard might catch fire... ;)
Title: Re: Erasing CD or DVD RWs
Post by: siege2 on Feb 21, 2007, 10:44:54
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
  ;)
Title: Re: Erasing CD or DVD RWs
Post by: siege2 on Feb 21, 2007, 10:51:14
whoops  ;D, 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
Title: Re: Erasing CD or DVD RWs
Post by: siege2 on Feb 21, 2007, 11:01:46
more more  :D

http://pec.co.uk/oscommerce-2.2ms2/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=47_81&products_id=777
Title: Re: Erasing CD or DVD RWs
Post by: Rik on Feb 21, 2007, 11:24:30
Thanks for all that, Siege, your efforts are much appreciated. :)