IT Equipment Disposal & Data Wiping
Old server decommissioning, on site
An old server has been sitting switched off in the comms room for years and we want it gone safely.
An old server has been sitting switched off in the comms room for years and we want it gone safely.
Servers tend to linger because nobody is quite sure what is still on them. Before anything is wiped we check whether any software, scanner or backup job still points at the server, and whether old files, mailboxes or accounts records need keeping. If they do, we copy them to current storage first so the decision to clear it is made with the data safe. Any licences tied to it are noted.
What the technician does
- Confirm nothing still depends on the server
- Wipe or remove and destroy every drive in it
- Remove it from the rack and arrange recycling
Check whether anyone needs old files from it before it goes - once wiped they are gone.
About old server decommissioning
Servers usually hold several drives in a RAID array, and each one is handled individually. Drives are either overwritten in the server or pulled and physically destroyed if they are failing. We remove the server and its rails from the rack, tidy the leads it leaves behind, update your network records and arrange recycling of the hardware. Any backup jobs still pointing at it are removed or redirected.
What usually causes it
- Services have moved to the cloud and the server is no longer used
- A replacement server has been running for some time
- Rack space is needed for new equipment
- The server is out of support and a security concern if switched on
Before we arrive
- A rough count of the equipment going
- Any device passwords or BIOS locks you know of
- A decision on which machines will be reused or donated
- Somewhere to work near the equipment
What a visit looks like
When you book old server decommissioning, you tell us what's going on and we reply with a time that suits you and a price. Nothing starts until you're happy with both.
On the day, the technician arrives, looks at the problem in person and confirms the plan with you before starting. If something turns out different from what was expected - a part is needed, or the cause is somewhere else - we stop and agree the change with you first.
When the work is done we test it with you, show you what was changed, and leave the area tidy. For business jobs we note what we did, so there is a record for whoever looks after your IT next.
Pricing
Each old server decommissioning job is priced before work starts. The price depends on what's involved - the size of the site, the equipment, and whether parts are needed - so the quickest way to a number is to tell us about the job on the booking form.
There is no contract and no monthly fee. You book the job you need and pay for that job.
Old server decommissioning: questions
What if we realise later that we needed something from it?
That is why we check first and copy anything you want to keep to current storage. After the drives are wiped or destroyed, the data cannot be brought back.
Do you handle the UPS and switches too?
Yes. Old UPS units, switches and routers can go in the same job. Network devices are reset to factory settings and UPS batteries are sent for recycling.
Do you do old server decommissioning on site?
Yes. We come to businesses and homes across Auckland and Hamilton and do the work where the equipment is.
How much does old server decommissioning cost?
It depends on what's involved. Tell us about the job on the form and we'll confirm the price before any work starts.