Well, you don't know. It all depends on what kind of data was on the target drive. If it's schoolwork or unimportant business data, a format is good enough. If

Well, you don't know. It all depends on what kind of data was on the target drive. If it's schoolwork or unimportant business data, a format is good enough. If we're talking CC and SSN numbers, the ATA command with writing 0's is good. If it's sensitive, a sledgehammer and an anvil is suitable. I inherited a junk 1G hard drive, and just 'filed it away' in my junk drawer. After years, I actually checked the contents. Lo and behold: a flat database full of medical data, including SSN's and other revealing data. It was only 1G so it got the sledge (I use a small section of railroad tie instead of a blacksmiths anvil).