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.

A hard disk drive desledder comprises a support and a cutting member. The support is configured to receive and to support a hard disk drive assembly that includes a hard disk drive and a sled. The cutting member has at least two cutting edges corresponding to respective portions of the sled. The cutting member is movable from a first position spaced apart from the support and a second position adjacent the support to cause the at least two cutting edges to cut portions of the sled to allow the hard disk drive to be removed from the hard disk drive assembly. Related desledding methods are also described.

An example hard disk drive includes a multiplexer. The multiplexer is coupled to a communication interface, a hard disk drive controller, and a storage device. The multiplexer is to, in response to a detection of a first selection command via a first set of pins of the communication interface, route first firmware data from a second set of pins of the communication interface to the storage device during a first flashing operation. The hard disk drive controller is bypassed during the routing of the first firmware data. The multiplexer is also to, in response to a detection of a second selection command via the first set of pins, route second firmware data from the hard disk drive controller to the storage device during a second flashing operation. The second firmware data is received via the third set of pins.

An improved degaussing system for sanitizing data stored in a magnetic storage device (MSD) includes a magnetic field generating element configured to generate a directional field toward a media tray for retaining the MSD. Heating elements disposed proximate to the media tray heats the MSD to an elevated temperature before or during application of a magnetic field. An insulating element at least partially encloses the heating elements to isolate the magnetic field generating element from the heating element.

An improved degaussing system for sanitizing data stored in a magnetic storage device (MSD) includes a magnetic field generating element configured to generate a directional field toward a media tray for retaining the MSD. Heating elements disposed proximate to the media tray heats the MSD to an elevated temperature before or during application of a magnetic field. An insulating element at least partially encloses the heating elements to isolate the magnetic field generating element from the heating element.

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.