reformatting a HDD

[Grey!matter]

Hello all!

I have some quick questions and have come to the forums in which I frequent to get enlightened about all my computer needs - and I'm in need.

My current HDD is a Western Digital black(500g) and while it does what I need, I needed to get a second HDD or ssd so as to have a singular drive in which all my fraps files are written to. I just recently got my b3 mobo and though what a better time to get a second storage device and do a fresh install to make everything as painless and smooth as possible. Today, I bought a 64g SSD in hopes to have it as my OS/apps that I use the most drive and use my HDD as my fraps drive! So, to get to the point. I want to reformat my hdd so its clean with nothing on it and do a fresh install on my ssd. Here lies my problem, I have never had to reformat or clean a hdd so there isn't anything on it.

1.)How do I clear all my info off, is it a simple reformat to clear the drive?
2.)I basically just want to start with two new fresh drives so there arent any issues
3.)I built my computers so im sure if I can do that I can easily do this

I know I could probably google most of that info, but I like it here and the people that also frequent it!

TL;DR How do I clear my hdd and make my ssd the new boot drive and have my existing hdd be a clear hdd like the day I got it!

Thanks a lot, I very much appreciate any comments and help.

 

[Blain]

Wipe the drive/drives with DBAN or Kill Disk

 

[Grey!matter]

Thanks for the reply, I've actually heard of DBAN before. One more question, do I have to have the iso on a disk or can I save it to a flash drive and erase via that?

 

[MustISO]

Why not just delete the partitions, create new ones and format the drives during Windows setup/install. Unless you're selling the drive DBAN seems like overkill.

If you really want DBAN on a flash drive:
http://www.pendrivelinux.com/install-dban-to-a-usb-flash-drive-using-windows/

 

[Grey!matter]

I agree but can you point me int he right direction with what you're talking about during installing windows. All i want to do is just have the hdd be clear of most stuff

 

[MustISO]

During Windows setup you have the option of deleting partitions and formatting partitions. This will delete all of the data on the drive so be sure anything you need is backed up.

 

[Grey!matter]

During Windows setup you have the option of deleting partitions and formatting partitions. This will delete all of the data on the drive so be sure anything you need is backed up.

Oh well this seems to be a little bit easier, huh? Just have my new ssd in along with the hdd put in the windows disc and select to delete the partitions on the hdd and the proceed to intalls my os to the ssd!

Thanks a lot, dude!

 

[dma0991]

I have used DBAN in the past with a 80GB drive and it took me forever. Depending on the size of the HDD, level of security and number of passes it can take hours or days depending on the 3 variables that I have mentioned.

Usually you would be able to erase the old data when the new data rewrites over the old information. Unless you're selling off the HDD to someone who is capable or wants to read your data for malicious purposes, DBAN is not necessary.

 

[corkyg]

If I were going to use the SSD as my OS drive, I would somply disconnect the spindle drive, install the SSD and then Windows. When that is done, and all boots OK, etc., I would reconnect the spindle drive, and use the Windows SSD to reformat as necessary.

This way, your old HDD is always reusable as the boot drive should your SSD installation not work right. It becomes in effect, a backup.

 

[Modular]

If I were going to use the SSD as my OS drive, I would somply disconnect the spindle drive, install the SSD and then Windows. When that is done, and all boots OK, etc., I would reconnect the spindle drive, and use the Windows SSD to reformat as necessary.

This way, your old HDD is always reusable as the boot drive should your SSD installation not work right. It becomes in effect, a backup.

This. I am just getting ready to do this exactly and think it makes the most sense.

 

[Zap]

If I were going to use the SSD as my OS drive, I would somply disconnect the spindle drive, install the SSD and then Windows. When that is done, and all boots OK, etc., I would reconnect the spindle drive, and use the Windows SSD to reformat as necessary.

Seconded.

Unhook HDD. Hook up SSD. Enable AHCI in BIOS for the SATA controller. Install Windows 7 as you normally would. Once Windows is installed, hook up old HDD. Make sure the SSD is still the boot-from drive in BIOS. Boot up into Windows. Windows will find the HDD. Right click on it in Windows Explorer, and select Format. Do a quick format. Done.