Best Software To Completely Erase A Computer?

[Scott Reppert]

Any opinions on what the best software is to completely erase EVERYTHING off of a computer (I'm giving it away to a friend) would be appreciated. I've never had need of such a program before, and I know that they are out there, I just don't know which one is best or which one does what.

Any help would be most graciously appreciated!!!

[sportsvoice]

I've used one of those bootable hard drive utility disks and performed a low level format. That writes zeros to every sector and basically returns the hard drive to the state it came from the store in. Then, perform a regular format on the drive if you need to set up anything, otherwise just supply the computer with the low level formatted drive.

If you have any concerns about personal data though, I would just take the hard drive out and have the recipient buy a new drive.

So far I have yet to throw away a hard drive -- even a failed one -- because of the privacy concerns. I figure when I do, I will probably low level format several times, then run a big magnet (like an old bulk cart eraser) over it, and then "really low level format" with a sledgehammer and throw the pieces away.

[Big Media]

I have never had a need for this, but I have heard some folks talking about Boot-and-Nuke. I would be careful, though. I will wipe everything it can find, including the credit card in your wallet.

http://www.download.com/Darik-s-Boot-an ... d=10165154

[Lester]

I think there is a floppy based version of Autoclave out there as well. (If not, I might be able to make you one.) It takes a long time to run, but it will run 3-7 passes for you, wiping the data O-U-T!

Nice utility. We used it at work for many years, for systems we donate/sell. (Doesn't work with SATA drives, btw.)

[Hoosier Daddy]

www.pron-be-gone.com



Just kidding.

[fearpeddler]

If your lookin' to totally wipe a drive clean of EVERYTHING, then derick's boot & nuke is the way to go... anything else is just trash...

[Cameron]

Do any of the products mentioned do a "NSA-wipe"? I'd look for one that does NSA.

[genlock]

Fire cleanses all.

[Hoosier Daddy]

Fire cleanses all.

... so does a trip to Davy Jones's Locker.

Pillow case. Brick. Hard drive. 5th Street bridge.

[Arp2]

Fire cleanses all.

Y'all got a whole lot of rails winding through the state....next time you see a maintainer, ask if he's using Thermite that day!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PKB5nnHGAk

[genlock]

Duct tape hard drive to railroad track.
And wait.

[Arp2]

Duct tape hard drive to railroad track.
And wait.

A metal case duct-taped to a track?? You'd cause a panic!

[The People's DJ]

how about those old bulk erasers some stations have/had for tapes. I'm sure that can fix the HD right up.