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Clearing an old file server

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by corrielein 1 view

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I have an old Compaq Prosignia File Server that I need to erase all data on. The OS is Windows NT4. It also has Arcserve (think its a backup program). I cannot seem to get into it to erase all the data. I've tried booting up with the OS disc in, with a Kill Disk in etc, but this Arcserve program just kicks in every time. I cannot even get into the BIOS to ask it to change the boot sequence. I don't mind if the whole thing is wiped so that I have to reinstall the OS - I can't even throw it out until the data is all reased. Thanks very much for any help anyone can give me.

11 replies

by otl

You could put the HD in another PC as a slave and format it there, 3 times should wipe all data out. Does not have to be screwed in or even in a drive bay, just in contact with the metal case.

by corrielein

Thanks anyway, but I don't have any spare PCs and I don't want to start mucking around with PCs that are being used daily as I'm not that used to doing that sort of thing!

by willcomp

If you're not interested in salvaging the hard disk, disassemble it and physically destroy the platters. That will ensure all data is gone.

You can also drill holes through the drive, though not as secure as above still pretty effective.

by corrielein

Thanks for that - I might use it as a very last resort, but I would rather keep it in working order if possible.

by otl

If you have a bootable floppy;

Delete as many files as possible in the root directory, this should force a floppy boot (invalid boot device on the HD) then reformat.

by corrielein

Thanks, but as I explained, I can't get it to boot from a CD or floppy or even get into a DOS prompt, so I've no way of running a secure delete program. I think the hammer suggestion might be the only option now....

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