Completely Erase a Harddrive?

[tomshope]

Hello: Anyone know what I can use to completely erase a harddrive on my second pc before giving it away? I have Eraser on my pc will that do the trick.
Also I guess i have to use a disk to do it right, is this correct? Thanks

[Allan]

Just format the drive. Or, yes - Ontrack Eraser is fine.

[tomshope]

Allen, Thanks, Im worried that just formating does not erase it completely, I will use Eraser but dont I have to somehow but it on a Disk, do you know how to accomplish it? Thanks

[Geek-9pm]

Im worried that just formating does not erase it completely

Just to be sure...
Here is a recent article in PC World.

How to Completely Erase a Hard Drive

[Allan]

Formatting is fine unless you've got state secrets on it. Doesn't Eraser include instructions for its use?

[tomshope]

quote,  >>>Formatting is fine unless you've got state secrets on it<<<<

Or Credit cards, social security etc.

[tomshope]

Egghead,  just saw video very good, think i will use DBan, Thanks

[BC_Programmer]

quote,  >>>Formatting is fine unless you've got state secrets on it<<<<

Or Credit cards, social security etc.

You're kidding, right?

You really think that somebody is going to painstakingly reconstruct the file system on the drive just at the off chance you have that type of stuff stored on there? get real.

If you're REALLY concerned about data being stolen form the drive don't throw it away. smash it with a hammer and burn it. Then buy a new hard drive to give away wit hit. Even with the so called "Secure wipe" tools there is still a chance at recovery. And from the sounds of things these criminals are pretty desperate if they are stealing and recovering data from stolen consumer hard drives, so anything is possible.

Anyway, DBAN is a good way to do what you're after. It will certainly reduce the chances of recovery. but like i said, sounds like these guys are getting pretty desperate, they'll probably try anything.

[tomshope]

quote:  You really think that somebody is going to painstakingly reconstruct the file system on the drive just at the off chance you have that type of stuff stored on there? get real.

You'd better believe it, you never heard of Identity theft, this day and age, people are desperate, loosing homes etc.

As far as painstakingly, that's bull to with the right equipement they can get into your computer in minutes

I think you'd better GET REAL Pal.

[BC_Programmer]

rofl

alright then

you never heard of Identity theft

yes. and that is NOT how it happens in 99.9999 percent of cases. Somebody has been watching a bit too much dateline.

As far as painstakingly, that's bull to with the right equipment they can get into your computer in minutes

I thought we were talking about hard drives?

[mnkypprs]

Why the nastiness?

[BC_Programmer]

Why the nastiness?

This isn't nastiness. It's an exchange of ideas. feel free to throw yours in the pot. As long as it doesn't make the soup of discussion taste like new coke.

[Quantos]

Through or Throw?

[BC_Programmer]

Through or Throw?

wow, you're quick... that wasn't even there for a full 5 seconds before I changed it.

[Quantos]

I try, sometimes things just work out.