Can’t boot old PC to nuke the HD

I had some spare time and decided to nuke the hard disk of a 2004 XP desktop computer before taking it to the tip. I booted the PC to check there wasn’t any data other that what I have on current systems and to change the boot order it bios.

The PC seemed to power up OK but the monitor displayed the message “No Signal”. I checked that all power cords were connected properly and tried again. Same message. I tried booting from the XP installation disk and an XP bootable floppy I made when the PC was new. Same message. I changed the monitor and the power cords and the problem remains. I’m assuming it’s a motherboard issue.

It seems crazy to pay a local techie to open the case and remove the HD so that the remainder can go to the tip. But what else can I do? I can’t dispose of the PC when there’s still data on the drive. Any ideas?

Re-seat the video card?

I can't open PC case due to disabled hands. It could be anything inside the case. If the case is going to be opened it will be only to get the HD out. The PC is eleven years old and no longer in use. As I said, I was going to wipe the HD and take it all to the recycle tip.

Thanks for quick answer, though.

Do you get any beeps during the power-up tests? If not, the BIOS can see the video card. In that case, the video cable might be faulty (or the connectors have become corroded). Do you have another video cable that you can try?

If you are getting beeps, the length and number (e.g. one long followed by three short) may give more information, although motherboard manufacturers don't alway use the same codes.

TBH I think whatever needs fixing requires the case being opened anyway. Which of course means that the HD might as well just get removed and then smashed up with a club hammer until you can hear the platters tinkling like broken glass. Isn't their any friend or neighbour who could help you just remove the HD? It's only a 2 minute job and needs no technical know how. Agree no point in spending any money on it.

Just open the case, rip the HDD out, and hit it with a hammer hard until you hear the disk inside smash into fragments, keep hitting it a few times until you feel relieved of stress. It doesn't need to be anymore difficult than that.

That's the problem of threaded mode, you miss the OP's subsequent post

In reply to a post by ARD:

I can't open PC case due to disabled hands.

Sorry was skimming, I am actually in flat mode hold my hands up..

OK, surely a neighbour or similiar would help assist opening the PC case?

If he was local I'd pop round and do it for him but I seem to recall from a past post he's nowhere near me.

Thinking about it. If he put the case on a hard floor and belted it with a hammer it would probably come open on its own. But perhaps for the same reason he's unable to wield a hammer.