Your printer contains various types of memory that can store device and network settings, and user data.
Types of memory | Description |
|---|---|
Volatile memory | Your printer uses standard Random Access Memory (RAM) to temporarily buffer user data during simple print and copy jobs. |
Non-volatile memory | Your printer may use two forms of non-volatile memory: EEPROM and NAND (flash memory). Both types are used to store the operating system, device settings, network information, scanner and bookmark settings, and embedded solutions. |
Hard disk memory | Some printers have a hard disk drive installed. The printer hard disk is designed for device-specific functionality. This lets the device retain buffered user data from complex scan, print, copy, and fax jobs, as well as form data, and font data. |
Erase the content of any installed printer memory in the following circumstances:
The printer is being decommissioned.
The printer hard disk is being replaced.
The printer is being moved to a different department or location.
The printer is being serviced by someone from outside your organization.
The printer is being removed from your premises for service.
The printer is being sold to another organization.
| Note: Some printer models may not have a printer hard disk installed. |
In high-security environments, it may be necessary to take additional steps to make sure that confidential data stored in the printer hard disk cannot be accessed when the printer—or its hard disk—is removed from your premises.
Degaussing—Flushes the hard disk with a magnetic field that erases stored data
Crushing—Physically compresses the hard disk to break component parts and render them unreadable
Milling—Physically shreds the hard disk into small metal bits
| Note: Most data can be erased electronically, but the only way to guarantee that all data is completely erased is to physically destroy each hard disk where data is stored. |