Low Level Format

Hi guys
I m trying to do a low level format of my HD. I have some questions though. I using 3HD's in raid and i dont know what brand they are, is there a way I can check that when all 3 are in raid0?? also can I use an 3 party low level formatting program to do the job?? anyway if u have some advice also feel free to post as I usually do quick formats so thats gonna be my first time
thanks in advace
Marek

 

Killdisk should do the job.

 

than Synic, have you tried that program before?

Also, I m running RAID0 now so If I do a low level format, the program will still see it as a one big drive?

 

Don't get the two confused. There is a big difference between a high level and low level format.

Low level formats are done at the factory where sectors and tracks are laid out on the platters.

A high level format is what the end user normally does to erase a drive either by writing all zero's to each location on the drive or a random pattern for higher security.

I use to work for a Computer manufacter back in the early 80's. We did low level formats back then because we worked with large cabinet sized disk drives. Today's drives don't require a low level format once they leave the factory. If they do then it's time to buy another drive.

 

I don't know what to say to your RAID questions because I've never had any experience with RAID. But I have used Killdisk before and it works fine.

 

ok guys I have a question. So I downloaded the guruHD low level format program. Run it and then I tried KillDisk again but for half an hour it didn't even move to 1% so I turned it off and installed VIsta. I ran HDtune but I m getting terrible results. Average rate of 77mb/sec comparing to 177mb/sec rate before. What can be the problem? it shows that I have 900Gb of total space so all 3 drives are working great. Also HDtune says the raid0 is active.

 

Let's back up here. When you say 'low level format' do you mean that you simply want to wipe out old data beyond typical means of recovery or that you want to redo the whole structure of your disk? If it's the latter, give up now.

If it's just to make files unrecoverable, then the programs discussed probably work. I always use DBAN personally. Depending on the hard disk size, method, pass, and verification settings, a secure wipe can take a looooong time. Like weeks for certain settings.

Just do one pass of zeros. It is the quickest and the least secure, but fine enough for the common person.

I'd imagine the reason your drive is running slower is that you aborted the process after the program wrote a bunch of zeros to all your early sectors but never got a chance to erase them.

Fix it by running one pass of zeros. Let it finish this time.

 

Greg is Dban windows based program or can u run it in dos? I ve downloaded Killdisk and it does one pass of zeros but it takes soooo long. I mean, hafl and hour passed and it was still at 0%. I know 1tb is a big combination but come on.

 

DBAN operates outside of Windows. Any secure erasing tool worth having does.

Just burn the ISO file as an image and it will be a bootable CD that will run the program for you. I think there are versions of it released on USB flash drives as well. (If your BIOS supports booting from USB.) I've never used the USB though. Only CD.

1TB will take a looooonnnggg time. It takes 35 minutes to do one pass of zeros on my 40GB drive.

Do it before you go to sleep... That way the time won't seem as harsh .

 

I assume you are running all three drives in a software raid? If that is the case, you can verify they are in a raid through Windows Disk Management Console. If you are running a hardware raid, you can verify they are running in a raid through, Windows Disk management console. Pretty handy huh?