This unique and novel invention provides a custom data removal jig used to reliably, efficiently, and cost-effectively remove data from a handheld mobile computing device (“PC device”). The data removal jig comprises an open-box structure which provides one or more alignment features to assist with properly inserting the PC device within the data removal jig. Additionally, a pilot hole is provided by the securement structure. Once the PC device is inserted into the data removal jig, the pilot hole is substantially centered above the integrated flash memory chip on the particular PC device's motherboard which the data removal jig has been customized to accommodate. A power drill is used to precisely penetrate the PC device via the pilot hole and substantially isolate the damage to the integrated flash memory chip. Additionally, the securement structure also provides one or more braces that assist with restraining movement of the securement structure during the data removal process.

A system and method reclaims select components containing rare earth metals of electronic media electronic storage devices such as hard disk drives, solid state drives and hybrid hard drives and destroys the data containing components thereof. The system employs first devices, such as milling tools, to loosen various components of the storage device. The various loosened components include the components containing the rare earth metals and the data containing portions. Second devices, such as pick and place mechanisms, are provided for removing components from the storage device. A holding chassis receives the storage device, and moves the storage device for engagement with the first and the second devices. A section is provided for destroying the data containing portion of the electronic media storage device.

Three systems for the destruction of the data storage portion of electronic media storage devices such as hard disk drives, solid state drives and hybrid hard drives. One system utilizes a mill cutter with which the hard drive has relative motion in the direction of the axis of the mill cutter to destroy the data storage portion. A second system utilizes a laser to physically destroy the data storage portion. The third system utilizes a chemical solvent to chemically destroy the data storage portion.

Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for indicating tracks as erased without deleting data for the tracks. In response to receiving erase commands to erase tracks in the storage, indicating the tracks as erased without performing an erase operation on the tracks subject to the erase command. Data in the storage for the tracks indicated as erased remains in the storage while requests are directed to the tracks indicated as erased. A command is received indicating an operation with respect to a target track. The operation to proceed is permitted with respect to the target track in response to determining that the target track is not indicated as erased. An alternate operation is performed providing a result different from the operation indicated in the command in response to determining that the target track is indicated as erased.

Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for indicating tracks as erased without deleting data for the tracks. In response to receiving erase commands to erase tracks in the storage, indicating the tracks as erased without performing an erase operation on the tracks subject to the erase command. Data in the storage for the tracks indicated as erased remains in the storage while requests are directed to the tracks indicated as erased. A command is received indicating an operation with respect to a target track. The operation to proceed is permitted with respect to the target track in response to determining that the target track is not indicated as erased. An alternate operation is performed providing a result different from the operation indicated in the command in response to determining that the target track is indicated as erased.

The current invention is a Degausser Mechanism Utilizing Magnetic Fluid for Destroying the Functionality of Data Bearing Components of Magnetic Media Data Bearing Devices. This degausser mechanism utilizing magnetic fluid provides reconciliation and tracking with a unique identification tag using a secure database of the provider of the degausser mechanism utilizing magnetic fluid. This degausser mechanism utilizing magnetic fluid provides destruction of the functionality of the data bearing components of magnetic media data bearing devices, and containment of the remains of the magnetic media devices with the functionality of data destroyed onsite by the user until auditing. This degausser mechanism utilizing magnetic fluid is portable and is intended to be used in small enterprise offices or other locations.

Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for indicating tracks as erased without deleting data for the tracks. In response to receiving erase commands to erase tracks in the storage, indicating the tracks as erased without performing an erase operation on the tracks subject to the erase command. Data in the storage for the tracks indicated as erased remains in the storage while requests are directed to the tracks indicated as erased. A command is received indicating an operation with respect to a target track. The operation to proceed is permitted with respect to the target track in response to determining that the target track is not indicated as erased. An alternate operation is performed providing a result different from the operation indicated in the command in response to determining that the target track is indicated as erased.

Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for indicating tracks as erased without deleting data for the tracks. In response to receiving erase commands to erase tracks in the storage, indicating the tracks as erased without performing an erase operation on the tracks subject to the erase command. Data in the storage for the tracks indicated as erased remains in the storage while requests are directed to the tracks indicated as erased. A command is received indicating an operation with respect to a target track. The operation to proceed is permitted with respect to the target track in response to determining that the target track is not indicated as erased. An alternate operation is performed providing a result different from the operation indicated in the command in response to determining that the target track is indicated as erased.

A method of erasing data using a file-based protocol from a data storage apparatus for repurposing, reallocation to a new user or retirement of the data storage apparatus, the data storage apparatus comprising a memory using a file-based protocol, and the method comprises: receiving one or more signals representative of the available free space of at least one selected region of the memory; iteratively writing files to the at least one selected region of the memory using the file based protocol, wherein: at least one of the files is sized based on at least one of the received signals and the iterative writing of the files comprises writing the files in sequence such that for at least part of the sequence each file is smaller in size than the preceding file of the sequence; and wherein the files are written to collectively occupy all of the at least one selected region of the memory; and the method further comprises receiving an indication that said at least one selected region of memory is full following the writing of said files, and in response to the indication writing at least one further file to said at least one region of memory.

A system and method for reclaiming select components containing rare earth metals of electronic media electronic storage devices such as hard disk drives, solid state drives and hybrid hard drives and destroying the data containing components thereof comprising first devices to loosen various components of the storage device, the components including the components containing the rare earth elements and the data containing portions. Second devices are provided for removing components from the storage device. A holding chassis receives the storage device, and moves the storage device for engagement with the first and second devices. A section is provided for destroying the data containing portion of the electric storage device when it is removed from the storage device.