Securely erase a hard drive

[lein]

Well I am selling a hard drive and want to securely erase the data that's on it. I have heard of dban and Kill Disk, but neither can be done in Windows. Is there any software that I can use to securely erase the hard drive and still stay in windows?

 

[d3n]

knoppix tools I think has something for this. Wipe /dev /disk of choice. Be carefull to pick the right target

 

[d3n]

oh, more wipes the better, no matter what tool it is. Do it at least 4 times or so.

 

[techmanc]

I dont know if there is but due to the time consuming nature and high CPU usage of securely erasing a hard drive I think you would be safer useing a disk or cd based software in which case Kill Disk works well.

 

[stevem326]

I would use something like Wipe Drive Here

I've never heard of a HD wiping utility that you can use within Windows. Most of them are designed to start when you first boot up from either your floppy drive or CD drive. I think that's considered the most secure and reliable method of wiping a hard drive.

 

[lein]

I guess that makes sense. I was just afraid of wiping the wrong hard drive. Thanks for the help

 

[Chadder007]

Darik's Boot and Nuke
Free and conforms to government hard drive erasing requirements. /thread

 

[OzzieGT]

Originally posted by: Chadder007
Darik's Boot and Nuke
Free and conforms to government hard drive erasing requirements. /thread

Yep. It will do as many passes as you want. Unless you are thinking the drive will get into the hands of someone who really wants to physically open your drve and get to data, 1 pass will be enough.

I would recommend Eraser. It includes boot 'n nuke but also allows you to wipe files as well.

 

[stevem326]

Originally posted by: lein
I guess that makes sense. I was just afraid of wiping the wrong hard drive. Thanks for the help

I'm not sure how other software works but with Wipe Drive you put a floppy in and restart your PC. It then detects all of the hard drives on your system and asks you which one(s) you want to wipe. That way there's no way you can wipe the wrong drive (unless you select the wrong one, of course).

 

[JACKHAMMER]

I have always used BC wipe. Works pretty well.


http://www.jetico.com/