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General discussion

Need opinions on ShredIt for Mac OS 9

Jun 2, 2007 5:10AM PDT

Has anyone used this program, and will it effectively delete/destroy all info on an older Mac?

Thanks.

Discussion is locked

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Shredit
Jun 2, 2007 8:39AM PDT

While I have no hands on experience with Shredit, it would seem to do what you require of it.
At $20.00 for a one time shot, it should!

Under OS 9 you can initialize the disk and if you choose functions from the menu bar, you can zero all the data on the drive. Do this a couple of time and you will have destroyed everything on the drive.

Of course, the above only works if you are erasing an external drive or an internal from which you are NOT booted.

Sometimes the best course of action, if you are getting rid of the machine, is to remove the drive altogether. Which Mac is it that you have?

P

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ShredIt
Jun 2, 2007 9:40PM PDT

It's an iMac and it's not mine. It belongs to a relative. I know nothing about Macs and they know possibly even less. They only use the computer for the very basics: reading of emails and typing up letters.

I tried to download a program called Kill Disk while I was there, but could not tell if the program actually downloaded, not knowing how that works on that particular type of computer. They had no clue how to tell and could not find their manual for me to look at to try and figure it out. The computer had a terrible time going to any sites as the pages would not render well.

"Of course, the above only works if you are erasing an external drive or an internal from which you are NOT booted."

Not sure what you mean, but the drive is the normal drive in a computer. Not an external one.

Any thoughts on Kill Disk? Any particular version of Norton that I could suggest to them?

Thanks so much for all the help.

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What is the end plan?
Jun 3, 2007 12:41AM PDT

KillDisk is a DOS program that will kill ALL information on any mounted disk. It will not work on a Mac.

The reason that this machine is having great difficulty rendering websites is because it is using a very old version of the Mac OS, Internet Explorer, Java Runtime. Basically everything is out of date.

I guess the real question is; what are you trying to achieve with the wipe out of the disk?

This old iMac, if it is as old as you suggest, probably has 32 or 64 MB of Ram and a 4 Gb hard drive. You indicated that it is running OS 9 which has not been updated for the last 7 years. While this machine will do email easily, it will not perform well on most websites.

To find out exactly how much RAM it has, HD size, processor speed, etc., you can check using the System Profiler. You will find this under the Apple Menu, top left corner of the screen.

On the subject of erasing a drive using Shredit or KillDisk. The computer normally uses an internal HD to startup from (Boot), by reading the Operating System that is installed on it. (OS 9, in this case)
Once the machine has started up, it will not allow you to remove the Operating System from the HD because the computer is using it to run.
To overcome this, you have to boot the machine from an alternative source. External HD, Floppy disk (Not fitted on Mac's) or CD.
Now the OS on the HD is not being used and the entire drive can be erased without a problem.

Once again, before you do this dastardly deed, what is the overall plan?

P

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End plan
Jun 3, 2007 9:28AM PDT

The end plan is to effectively delete all personal type info so that it is completely unable to be retrieved in any way.

I will have to talk them through any steps as I do not live in the same state.

Thanks again.

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The machine is being disposed of?
Jun 3, 2007 9:58PM PDT

With their level of expertise, you are going to have your work cut out trying to explain the Shredit procedure to them.

Do they still have the original disks?

P

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Original disks
Jun 3, 2007 10:33PM PDT

I'm hoping so, I'll have to send an email and ask.

It ought to be interesting to say the least.

If I were to suggest Norton Utilities, which version would be best?

Once again, I appreciate the help.

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I would NOT suggest Norton Utilities
Jun 3, 2007 11:00PM PDT

at all.
I'm not sure you actually understand exactly what it is that you are trying to do.
As I mentioned, you cannot erase the disk from which you are booted. This applies to Windows and Mac.
By far the best solution for this machine is for the owners to boot from the original CD's, initialize the drive and reinstall all the software that came with the machine. The original disks will restore the machine to the state it was in when they first opened the box.
Without an external boot disk, you will not be able to format the drive and, if you follow the instructions for Shredit, you will spend the next 6 months trying to explain the procedure to the owners.

If this machine is being disposed of, not given away but dumped in the trash, the best way to ensure privacy is to remove the hard drive from the machine.

P

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Norton, etc.
Jun 4, 2007 7:52AM PDT

No I do understand, someone had told me that Norton had a program that would write over the files until they were no longer recoverable. I might have that mixed up with a different program. It's been a while since I was home and can't find the posting.

They don't need the WHOLE drive completely done over, just certain files.

Thanks for your patience.

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Ahh, that changes things a bit.
Jun 4, 2007 10:11AM PDT

Norton Utilities, I cannot remember which version ran on OS 9, has a Secure Delete type of program within it.
You may still be able to purchase that version and install it.

Is this machine going to remain with your people or is it going away somewhere?

Symantec no long make much software for the Mac and do not have a version of NU for sale on their site.

So now we are back to Shredit. If there are no Restore DIsks available and the machine is moving on, then purchase Shredit and deal with the files you need deleting.

P

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ShredIt
Jun 4, 2007 9:56PM PDT

The machine is going elsewhere.

I will see about the Restore Disks and take it from there.

I really appreciate the help and hope that should I need further info that you would be willing to continue to help me help them.

Thanks again. Happy