Originally Posted by
lamphs
And then I want to wipe the data clean and drop-off at the local recycling center.
Your local Goodwill should be able to take care that for you.
Originally Posted by
lamphs
a) bypass the Windows password so that I can get to the "C:" drive so that I can offload any wanted files (even at the system prompt);
You can try using external enclosure and connect to your current PC. You should be able to review the content by taking ownership of the relevant folders.
Originally Posted by
lamphs
b) wipe the data?
It depends on how clean you want to be. The best way ever is to physical destroy the HDDs. If the data is not sensitive enough, a factory restore will also do the job.
FWIW - IMHO, the DoD method is a myth, given that the DoD also physically destroys the HDDs as well.