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    hj3's Avatar
    hj3 Posts: 92, Reputation: 2
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    #1

    Jun 29, 2011, 05:26 PM
    Is data deleted from a portable hard drive using wiping software recoverable?
    I just decided to sell my portable external hard drive. Before listing it for sale, I checked out all the major companies that had trade-in / buyback programs to see if they took hard drives - no luck. When I listed it, I got multiple inquiries. I wiped the drive clean with White Canyons WipeDrive software and I listed that in the ad. My question is, even though I used the wiping software to wipe the drive, is there any chance that say, a computer or software expert (or hacker) could somehow someway, still retrieve the data for their own malicious use? Thanks!
    twinkiedooter's Avatar
    twinkiedooter Posts: 12,172, Reputation: 1054
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    #2

    Jun 29, 2011, 06:19 PM

    Not that I am aware of if you used a good program to wipe it clean. You should be safe. How many people out there actually have such programs to unwipe hard drives anyway? Think about it.
    Appzalien's Avatar
    Appzalien Posts: 540, Reputation: 57
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    #3

    Jun 30, 2011, 06:03 AM
    It depends on how many passes you made with the wiping utility. One pass will not do it. Besides why would you want to get rid of it? For me the more storage I have the better. You can use the newly wiped drive to store pictures or videos and stuff like that and there-by keep them off the main PC. I rarely keep my externals plugged in, I disconnect them from power until the next time I need them and always use the safely remove usb device before disconnecting.
    hj3's Avatar
    hj3 Posts: 92, Reputation: 2
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    #4

    Jul 1, 2011, 08:16 AM
    Comment on twinkiedooter's post
    Makes sense but you never know... Thanks!
    hj3's Avatar
    hj3 Posts: 92, Reputation: 2
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    #5

    Jul 1, 2011, 08:18 AM
    Comment on Appzalien's post
    Hmmm... that's good advice. I wa sgetting rid of it because I was going to get one with more capacity. But I see where you're coming from and will consider it. Thanks!
    twinkiedooter's Avatar
    twinkiedooter Posts: 12,172, Reputation: 1054
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    #6

    Jul 1, 2011, 08:12 PM

    I also have several external drives. I download a lot of movies and convert and burn them to dvd's but I still like to save a copy of the movie in the external drive just in case I need to reconvert and reburn it.

    Heck for the little space they take up on my desk I'm thinking of adding another drive to my collection.

    I keep virtually nothing on my PC or laptop - I transfer it all to the externals. This way in case I run into some vicious virus where I have to totally redo my o/s I have all my important stuff saved off the puter where it belongs.
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