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Is there anyway to wipe a PC's Hard Drive on a computer which will not turn on?

Anonymous
2023-11-27T16:00:49+00:00

Hi everyone,

I have an old Lenovo C50 23 inch All-in-One PC (White) which no longer turns on. When you click on the start button the screen just stays black and what I would like to do is dispose of this PC but I would like to wipe the hard drive first and what I would like to know is there anyway of doing this?

I have another Lenovo all in one PC which is working and I wondered if there was anyway I could connect the two PCs and then view the PC which isnt working on the PC which is and then somehow wipe the old PC? Is this even possible?

Or do you have another suggestion of how I can wipe the old PC so I can dispose of it safely?

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  1. Ferdinand Nanalig 29,180 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-11-27T16:36:39+00:00

    Hi, I am an Independent Advisor.

    Let me help you with this concern.

    I understand that your machine will no longer power on and you need to wipe out the harddrive so you can have it disposed of.

    If the non-functioning Lenovo C50 doesn't power on at all, it might be challenging to access its hard drive directly through another computer.

    You can manually remove the hard drive from the non-working Lenovo C50. Usually, in all-in-one PCs, this could involve some disassembly. Once the hard drive is removed, you can connect it to a working PC using a SATA-to-USB adapter or an external hard drive enclosure. Then, you can access and wipe the drive using the working PC. If you are not comfortable in removing the hard drive yourself, consider seeking professional assistance.

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-11-27T17:16:17+00:00

    If you're actually just getting rid of the whole thing...

    Open the computer case, remove the hard drive...
    throw the rest away...

    smash the drive with a hammer, or burn thru it with a torch...
    anything to disrupt the operation, and throw it away....

    simple

    4 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2023-11-27T18:06:55+00:00

    Yes sorry I meant that I press the power button on the computer itself to try to turn it on but the screen remains black and there is absolutely no sound or any signs that the PC is working.

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2023-11-27T17:06:47+00:00

    Hi there,

    Thank you very much. Would any SATA to USB cable work? Or can you recommend one that might be suitable?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  5. Ferdinand Nanalig 29,180 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-11-27T17:10:16+00:00

    You need to check the size of your harddrive first as that depends on it.

    https://www.tomshardware.com/best-picks/best-ss...

    URL Disclaimer please read.

    Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

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