Samsung NC10

[Manic]

I’ve got an old Samsung NC10 netbook running windows XP

I want to clear all the data on it so can possibly sell it but I can’t find anything about doing this

Any suggestions please

 

[Kannon Fodda]

If it's that old it's still on XP I doubt it is worth anything.

To really ensure it is clear of data, replace the hard drive. Not justified on cost compared to the computer.

Alternatively get some eraser software that can boot from a USB stick apply it to wipe and overwrite the entire existing drive. At least you then know the machine is clean.

You would need to reinstall XP (if you can still download it) from another USB stick. You'll have fun with that as you'll also need copies of the various drivers for graphics, sound, network which may have been from Samsung and now obsolete.

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

I took our's to Mr Record who soon made it unreadable, it's a crushingly good service .
Mike.

 

[TheMobileWanderer]

We're it mine, I'd install Ubuntu which will clear the disk. It'll be properly usable online (XPs support ended over 10yrs ago) and it may even work more quickly because there'll be no bloatware in it.

My ex-BT guy who worked in their networking section once said to me not to bother getting a high-street shop to clear out data. He said they won't get it all but I won't know that because I don't know how to clear it myself. That; or they'll copy the data.

From then, I've either formatted several times and then re-installed the OS or I've given it to him to do it.

 

[Barti Ddu]

It's a 17 year old basic no-frills "netbook". Compared with standard laptops they were underpowered even when new. It's now worth pennies at best. I don't think any potential purchaser would be able to make any use of it. It's essentially obsolete.
I'd just scrap it.

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[Tombola]

Xp isn't secure these days..I think 2013 was the last updates

 

[LostInSpace]

Samsung NP-NC10-KA02US Hard Drive Replacement

You will need to remove the back plate of the netbook to access the hard drive. This is easily done by following the back removal guide.

www.ifixit.com

EDIT: See Lenny's post below for next step after removing old drive.

 

[Lenny HB]

Just remembered I've got an NC10 sitting around I keep meaning to take the hard disc out smash it with a club hammer and bin the whole lot.

 

[TheMobileWanderer]

It's a 17 year old basic no-frills "netbook". Compared with standard laptops they were underpowered even when new. It's now worth pennies at best. I don't think any potential purchaser would be able to make any use of it. It's essentially obsolete.
I'd just scrap it.

I've checked Wikipedia and if the spec is the same, there's plenty of life in it. Windows uses tons of resources and is full of bloatware, which slows things down.

I've also just checked my second laptop which is dell but of similar spec to that Samsung. It's perfectly good with Linux on it, used for emails, browsing, watching youtubers and any difference there may be in terms of speed, over my later ones, is imperceptible.

Imv, it would be ideal in my moho because if it were to be lost/stolen, I'd be less upset than if it were a much newer one.

It may also be the choice of the OP to bin it but, at least, if he's put Ubuntu on it, that process will clear the drive of all current data and then, if its slow, he can bin it.

My 2p

 

[Barti Ddu]

I've checked Wikipedia and if the spec is the same, there's plenty of life in it. Windows uses tons of resources and is full of bloatware, which slows things down.

I've also just checked my second laptop which is dell but of similar spec to that Samsung. It's perfectly good with Linux on it, used for emails, browsing, watching youtubers and any difference there may be in terms of speed, over my later ones, is imperceptible.

Imv, it would be ideal in my moho because if it were to be lost/stolen, I'd be less upset than if it were a much newer one.

It may also be the choice of the OP to bin it but, at least, if he's put Ubuntu on it, that process will clear the drive of all current data and then, if its slow, he can bin it.

My 2p

But the OP wants to wipe it and sell it.

I'd wager that the market for a 17 year old netbook running Ubuntu would be "niche"!

For what he might get for it, even if wiping it and sticking Ubuntu on it only took an hour or so he would be working for less than minimum wage for his endeavours.

Uncle Lenny HB is right. Hit it with a lump hammer and bin it.

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[meanders]

Hate to say that installing anything on the hard disk will not 100% wipe it. There are plenty of data recovery and forensic bits of software that can read and reassemble stuff with remarkable accuracy even if segments have been overwritten. A little like thieving your motorhome, you can make it harder, but the really determined will still get round it. The only 100% sure solution is to remove the hard disk platter and destroy it by shredding in a fine shredder and/or burning. The club hammer approach may be more satisfying though.

 

[dna]

Doesn’t it depend on what you have used the machine for? How much information has been on the machine that is confidential and would be damaging/ dangerous if discovered?

When my daughter started her teacher training one of the early lectures was about social media and the risks for teachers. The staff gave each trainees a synopsis of public information including holiday photos. They were particularly pointing out what teenagers could share about the teachers to cause embarrassment without attempting any kind of hacking.


Also, given the number of machines being disposed of these days, what is the chance of someone spending the time on a device this old in case they can’t discover something worthwhile?

 

[meanders]

I agree. For most people the risk is minimal. To be honest, if the hard drive has been smashed, who is going to remove the platter, remount it in another drive to look at the data unless they are looking for something specific or for law enforcement purposes based on intelligence received? Only the OP can know what may be on that disk or yet its sensitivity. My point is that once data has been written it is actually very difficult to get rid of. That said, the time and effort to recover it can be huge.