Re: How do you destroy a CD disk ?


"Gary" <none@xxxxxxx> wrote in message news:umqtl3lg8m2cs67k3nr437ob5r3ihmrmn6@xxxxxxxxxx
I hope someone can help me with this problem. Over the past few
years I have filled up several CD-R disks with various bits of
information and backup files. Now I would like to destroy them and
make sure nobody can read these disks and possibly discover bank
account numbers and other personal things that may be on them.

Which side of a CD-R contains the information ? The bottom - shiny
side -- or the top side with the printing ?

My idea is first to use a disc sander on the information side and then
take scissors and cut the disks up into 4 pieces -- and then throw
them in the garbage. Will this work to prevent people reading them ?

I tried the microwave and if you want a fire then go ahead.

The method that I have used for some time now and seems to be the best to me is to use a soldering gun...or soldering pencil will work too. Get the gun hot and then melt holes into the cd at various points. Be sure and melt a hole or two near the center hole...on the recording area...if you look closely you can see the recording area. The first few tracks contain the file allocation table and once that is melted then noone is going to get anything off that CD.

If you want to know how cheap and effective this is, try putting the CD back into your computer or player and watch what happens. Be sure and keep your finger on the eject button though.

JP

.