I have a crucial M4 SSD that I need to erase? How?

[ingeborgdot]

I am building a computer and want to use a 1 yr old M4 from Crucial. It is not in any computer at this time. I would like to just hook it up to one of my other computer and just erase it if that is needed. I have never done this before and was wondering what is the best way to do it? Is there a tool to use? Thanks

 

[kbp]

linux boot disk works the best.

 

[wpcoe]

Agreed. I downloaded PartedMagic and made a bootable USB thumb drive.

Current PartedMagic version is here.

An easy to follow guide here. The "how to" part is hidden by default, click on "Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show)" under Textual Guide.

 

[Mfusick]

Do you want to hard erase or just erase ?

 

[kbp]

If it is a used one year old - I would do a "hard" erase (via parted magic) with the NAND controller option.

 

[birthdaymonkey]

Parted magic has a very easy to use ATA Secure Erase function. Just go to erase an HDD from the system tools menu and select it. The newer version of PM will even automatically help you get past the BIOS lock "feature" of modern motherboards/drives.

 

[wpcoe]

That trick to get past the lock feature was why I ended up with PartedMagic, BTW. I tried using command line SUDO commands, but the lock state was a brick wall.

 

[kbp]

I get by the lock state by just unplugging then replug.