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Storage forum: How to wipe a hard drive?

by: Stoneheart95 December 26, 2012 5:18 PM PST

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How to wipe a hard drive?

by Stoneheart95 - 12/26/12 5:18 PM

I have an old SATA hard drive that I plan on re-using with my XP desktop(currently in the process of rebuilding from scratch). Because the hard drive isn't dead, and I can't use any cleaning software on my Win7 to clean it(my newer desktop has a BTX motherboard with IDE cables, XP was ATX with SATA), I need to find a way to do a full wipe of the whole drive, and be able to start fresh.

So with that said, I don't want to buy a new drive...but I don't want to sabotage it with a hammer...any suggestions?


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Just read further in this forum....this question/your

by VAPCMD - 12/26/12 6:16 PM

In Reply to: How to wipe a hard drive? by Stoneheart95

question has been asked and answered many many times.

VPAMCD


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I've seen the question before,

by Stoneheart95 - 12/26/12 6:54 PM

In Reply to: Just read further in this forum....this question/your by VAPCMD

But when I looked, it suggested the use of software, and without anyway to use said software, it's more or less a lost cause. And I want to be able to keep the drive, not destroy it...I haven't really seen anything on the internet, no matter where I've looked. :\

If you could, would you be able to link me to a solution, on the by chance I'm overlooking something?


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I believe DBAN is what you want

by wpgwpg - 12/26/12 7:01 PM

In Reply to: I've seen the question before, by Stoneheart95

Take a look at this link where you can download DBAN and put it on a CD or flash drive.
http://download.cnet.com/1770-20_4-0.html?query=dban&platformSelect=&tag=srch&searchtype=downloads&filterName=platform%3DWindows%2CMac%2CiOS%2CAndroid%2CWebware%2CMobile&filter=platform%3DWindows%2CMac%2CiOS%2CAndroid%2CWebware%2CMobile

Good luck.


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If I download this

by Stoneheart95 - 12/26/12 7:08 PM

In Reply to: I believe DBAN is what you want by wpgwpg

Would all I have to do is just boot the removable disk from the BIOS, and let it do the rest?


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It's been a while, but I think so

by wpgwpg - 12/26/12 7:39 PM

In Reply to: If I download this by Stoneheart95

I believe when you boot from it, it will identify any hard drives you have installed and ask if you want to wipe them. It's been a few years since I've used it, so my recollection of the details is probably less than perfect, but I know it does clear any data from the drive.

Good luck.


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If all you want to do reuse the drive...you don't need to

by VAPCMD - 12/26/12 8:03 PM

In Reply to: I've seen the question before, by Stoneheart95

really wipe it. You should be able to attach it to the Win7 PC and using DISK MANAGEMENT simply delete the existing partitions, recreate the new partition(s) and quick format the drive.

Drive mfgs....Seagate, Western Digital, etc., provide SW that can be used to help clear the drive...

VAPCMD


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DBAN doesn't have to Wipe multiple passes

by DBAN-NUKER - 1/17/13 9:28 AM

In Reply to: How to wipe a hard drive? by Stoneheart95

If you're going to use the disk again and keep it, not sell it or give it away, then why do a multi-pass dban, simple wipe is fine, or you can always just reformat the drive and use it again - if you seek DOD compliance you have a couple options to consider.


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