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    'erasing' an external drive

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by anon125, Aug 29, 2010.

  1. anon125

    anon125 Notebook Enthusiast

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    am returning a drive to the store
    i don't have erasing software so i filled it with 1meg identical images.
    good idea?
    does formatting really erase or just remove the pointers?
    thanks
     
    anon125, Aug 29, 2010
    #1
  2. Lithus

    Lithus NBR Janitor

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    Formatting a drive deletes the file table, so to an operating system, the file doesn't exist. However, the data is still on the drive. If you want to remove all data from a drive, use a program such as DBAN.
     
    Lithus, Aug 29, 2010
    #2
  3. RWUK

    RWUK Notebook Evangelist

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    I use DBAN for partitioning and Killdisk for ...well, you get the idea.

    It's been a while since I've used DBAN though, I only remember it having partitioning capabilities, which in and of itself is a method of erasure. Some OCD freaks like me just prefer to do 7 pass Department of Defense standards.

    .....and then be forced enter my ss# on every job application I fill out so it's automatically not tossed in the trash. :mad:
     
    RWUK, Aug 29, 2010
    #3
  4. othonda

    othonda Notebook Deity

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    File eraser is one of the best programs for clearing data on a hard drive, its free to.

    Eraser
     
    othonda, Aug 29, 2010
    #4
  5. anon125

    anon125 Notebook Enthusiast

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    thanks all
     
    anon125, Aug 29, 2010
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  6. lucirz

    lucirz Notebook Consultant

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    use a magnet :D
     
    lucirz, Aug 29, 2010
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  7. othonda

    othonda Notebook Deity

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    OMG! Don't even say that, someone around here my not know your joking.
     
    othonda, Aug 29, 2010
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  8. anon125

    anon125 Notebook Enthusiast

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    maybe i missed it on their website.
    why is it free?
    thanks
     
    anon125, Aug 29, 2010
    #8
  9. othonda

    othonda Notebook Deity

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    Let me clarify its not freeware its donationware.
     
    othonda, Aug 29, 2010
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  10. Rodster

    Rodster Merica

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    Haha we use to screw up so many Winchester drives back in the mid 80's that way. :D
     
    Rodster, Aug 29, 2010
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  11. Rodster

    Rodster Merica

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    I like Killdisk does a nice job of zero erasing.
     
    Rodster, Aug 29, 2010
    #11