[Info-vax] Price/Value of Used VAX 4000/700

[Richard B. Gilbert]

On 10/22/2011 11:28 PM, Howard S Shubs wrote:
> In article<pan.2011.10.21.16.57.15.932500 at swbell.net>,
>   Jim Hopkins<bwanajim at swbell.net>  wrote:
>
>> Thanks to all for the input. I think I will probably just offer to
>> haul it off after initalizing the disks in their presence to clear
>> the data, which is probably their main concern. I'll likely have some
>> hardware questions for the group if and when I get it.
>
> We'll be here.
>

Initializing the disk DOES NOT remove any data on the disk.  It does 
make it a little difficult to access the data but it's by no means 
impossible.  What it does do is remove the pointers to the data.

If you want to remove your data, write all ones to every byte in every 
block.  Then right all zeros to every byte in every block.

This WILL NOT stop the CIA or the FBI from recovering data from the 
disk.  If you need to need to prevent access to the data on that level,
Google for "DOD Erase".

Or bake the disk at 500 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours.  This should 
guarantee that the magnetic domains have all been randomized.

Better yet, don't commit anything secret to disk or tape.