My laptop no longer works. How can I erase my personal data?

Colin's old laptop has a faulty motherboard. If he junks it or sells it, how can he erase the data that's still on the hard drive?

I am unable to power on my Acer laptop, and the technician says the motherboard is faulty. I am planning to sell it. Will the buyer be able to retrieve my data after changing the motherboard? If so, how do I erase it? Colin

If you are literally scrapping an old PC or laptop, you should either remove the hard drive or destroy it to protect your data. People have been known to scavenge hard drives from tips and retrieve sensitive personal, medical and financial information.