So from time to time I run across computers/hard drives at the local thrift, I am usually able to pull the old data off the drives. I run across music, financial info, personal photos, etc. In many cases there is contact information linking to the original owner. Would it be appropriate to send the data back to original owner or just delete? I am assuming they would want the family pictures back etc. I am treating it like a lost and found type of thing.
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A somewhat odd question concerning data
- Thread starter Voodoo 6
- Start date
Reformat and do not contact anyone.
Just out of respect for the previous owner's privacy, I'd recommend giving it at least 3 wipes. Something like https://dban.org works well.
Hey leave your bathroom habits out of this. 
minimum 3 wipes at least 
WarrantMan
Extreme Member
The Hot Pepper said:
Best bet really. If you contacted them, who knows how they might react. Even if thankful, should some personal stuff get compromised later on somehow, you would always be the primary suspect. I wouldn't risk the drama.