How to securely wipe hard drive, please

[bugbyVundo]

I have a computer I don't use any more because it doesn't work (won't start, even from the Windows disc). But no matter I have a new PC and have no need for a second PC.

Assuming the hard drive in the old PC is not faulty, I was thinking of removing it and giving it to a charity that have old PC's that break down, usually with hard drive failure. Of course I want to ensure my private data is securely removed or over-written otherwise I won't do it at all. Can I do this from my new PC once I remove drive from old PC and connect it somehow to the new PC and use some free Eraser software to wipe the disc. If there is no way, I'll take a hammer to it!

Thanks

[Sterling_Aug]

Of course there is an easy to use and free utility CD that will do the job.

http://dban.sourceforge.net/

All you need is a blank CD to burn the image to. Do a 3 pass wipe which should take several hours.

[Midknyte]

UBCD has DBAN and a whole bunch of other tools. Go to the Tech Tools link.

http://www.sysopt.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=173743