Data Destruction programs

**complete noob:(** · August 05, 2013, 10:25 AM

My dad has a hard drive that he would like to clear completely (but still be usable for a clean install of windows, so physical destruction is not really an option)

Are there any programs that you all recommend?

Thanks in advance

**karamazovmm** · August 05, 2013, 11:05 AM

something that has a secure erase option? I dont know any apps that might do it for windows

but basically anything that writes 0 repeatedly to the HDD should work, best option for security purposes is physical destruction

**Crazyeyesreaper** · August 05, 2013, 11:39 AM

Ccleaner format do a 32 gutman pass will take a few days, then run 7-pass and it will be fine. Only way to get data at that point is to be the NSA or FBI

**karamazovmm** · August 05, 2013, 12:45 PM

Originally Posted by Crazyeyesreaper

Ccleaner format do a 32 gutman pass will take a few days, then run 7-pass and it will be fine. Only way to get data at that point is to be the NSA or FBI

please, thats ridiculous, macgyver can do it with a paper clip and bubblegum

**Ishan** · August 05, 2013, 11:52 AM

Good file shredding softwares are:
CCleaner
File Shredder
Eraser

CCleaner is better since it's multi purpose.

**Hrothgar Óhreinsaður** · August 05, 2013, 12:03 PM

Those are great recommendations. Also, if you have a Seagate HDD, the Seagate Disc Wizard, powered by Acronis, offers several options for wiping drives, and it's freeware.

**Crazyeyesreaper** · August 06, 2013, 09:31 PM

my personal favorite for wiping data is a shotgun but hey each there own right? lol ^

**Hrothgar Óhreinsaður** · August 06, 2013, 09:52 PM

A shotgun works pretty good. If you can't find a place to shoot, though, you could always just soak the drive in Coca-Cola.

**Blau&Gruen** · August 07, 2013, 12:16 AM

format c:
or
format c: /fs:ntfs
or
trained mice

**Ishan** · August 07, 2013, 01:22 AM

Originally Posted by Blau&Gruen

format c:
or
format c: /fs:ntfs
or
trained mice

Data can be easily recovered from a formatted drive unless you have completely overwritten it thereby reducing the chances of retrieval.

**Blau&Gruen** · August 07, 2013, 05:29 AM

Originally Posted by Ishan

Data can be easily recovered from a formatted drive unless you have completely overwritten it thereby reducing the chances of retrieval.

You're right. On the other hand if there had been really sensible data on the drive, he may better use another one.

**Ishan** · August 07, 2013, 05:45 AM

Yeah if we're using the same drive for personal use and going to fill it out anyways, then shredding is not necessary as it's only wear and tear of drive in the end. Shredder programs are used by companies etc and very rarely used for personal uses. So a format option, like blau suggested, while installing windows is more than enough imo.