Wiping disks of redundant PCs

WARNING: Following this procedure will irretrievably erase all the data. Ensure that you have saved any data you wish to retain.

Before redundant PCs leave departments for recycling purposes, the hard disks must be wiped in order that no personal data can be retrieved at a later date by persons not authorised to access such material. This process has to be certified and PCs will not be removed if signed confirmation of the wipe is not attached. Details about how to go about this process can be found below:

  1. Collect a ‘AU.DWIPE’ CD or disk from your Departmental Administrator or Information Champion. Failing this, please contact infocompliance@aber.ac.uk and you will be provided with a CD or disk. As these CDs or disks can be potentially very damaging if misused, they have to be signed for individually.
  2. Enter CD or floppy disk into PC and follow on-screen instructions.
  3. Disk wiping may take 2-3 hours once set in motion. This is because the disk wipe needs to be effective and the hard drive will have to be overwritten 3 times.
  4. Following completion of the Disk wipe, remove AU.DWIPE CD or disk and return it to its point of origin.
  5. Go to http://www.inf.aber.ac.uk/uwaonly/recycle/. Complete the ‘Disk-wipe certificate’ online and follow the instructions.
  6. Attach certificate to the PC (the processing unit, not the screen or any other hardware).
  7. Refer to: http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/hse/proc-prac/waste-disposal/ for further instructions on disposal.

If you have any queries relating to the above, please contact Information Compliance (ext. 8592)