Low level format utilities?

[TriggerHappy101]

I have a HD that I need to preform a low level format on so that the data can not be recovered. What utility can I use to do this? Do I need a different utility for each kind of drive from a manufacturer?

Thanks!

 

[SparkyJJO]

to keep data from being recovered....

SLEDGEHAMMER!!!!!

 

[skrewler2]

http://uranus.it.swin.edu.au/~jn/linux/rawwrite/dd.htm

bai!!!!

 

[TriggerHappy101]

How will copying my drive help me?

 

[stogez]

I used a program called Eraser few days ago to return a RMA drive. I think it worked but didnt test to find out lol.

 

[corkyg]

Z-Tree will do that. Also, Acronis Drive Cleaner. And, the drive OEM's utilities can do it as well.

I use ZTree - it has a host of other capabilities as well - but it calls this "washing" the drive. Norton calls it "wiping." Yeah - NU has it also.

Z

 

[mshan]

How about Darik's Boot N Nuke, followed by the hard drive manufacturer's own utility to zero out the drive?

 

[Pabster]

Darik's Boot 'N Nuke (DBAN) is what you need. Google it. Totally free.

 

[Seekermeister]

Something that I have wondered about low level formatting...will it also wipe out the MBR on a disk?

 

[tcsenter]

Originally posted by: Seekermeister
Something that I have wondered about low level formatting...will it also wipe out the MBR on a disk?

A complete zero-fill will wipe all areas of the disk that are software accessible through the controller interface. This definitely includes the MFT, MBR, and boot sector. Any data that software can write to the disk will be wiped.

 

[Seekermeister]

Thanks. I thought that was the case, but it's good to hear it from someone else.

 

[dBTelos]

Eraser!

 

[imported_stev]

Now the vast porno collections of AnandTech forum dwellers will be safe!

 

[Auric]

Originally posted by: stev
Now the vast porno collections of AnandTech forum dwellers will be safe!

Phew, what a relief! FYI, Eraser includes DBAN so get that package and yer good for both Windows and DOS.

 

[TriggerHappy101]

Is it true that low level formats can damage the drive and not let it be written to again?

 

[Zumbador]

Michael Scofield should've done this before tossing his HDD into the river.

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: TriggerHappy101
Is it true that low level formats can damage the drive and not let it be written to again?

No. But you may have to do a regular FDISK and format afterwards.

 

[TriggerHappy101]

thanks.

 

[Varun]

Originally posted by: TriggerHappy101
Is it true that low level formats can damage the drive and not let it be written to again?

Low level formatting is not something done anymore by consumers. People are often confusing it with a simple zero fill.

Wiki has a good article on it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disk_formatting

 

[TriggerHappy101]

Oh, so low level formats arent the same as zero fills? I understand. Ill check out Darik's Boot 'N Nuke (DBAN).

Thanks!