Complete data erasing from USB external hard drive

[a241y]

Could anyone help me?

I am trying to sell my old USB external hard drive and need to erase
all data completely.
Many of floppy-based data erase software (ie Data Erase,,,etc) does not
recognize a USB
hard drive. Then I tried to use "Erase 5.8" which can be launced from
Windows XP.
It seems OK because it can browse the USB external hard drive (because
runs on Windows XP). But I found another problem!

In the USB external hard drive, there is a folder called "System Volume
Information," which can't be deleted because it is always accessed by
the Windows system.

Does anyone advise me how to delete the System Volume Information in an
external drive, or any other ways how to erase completely an USB
exteral hard drive?

Thank you in advance!

Atsushi YOSHIDA (Mr.)
Santa Clara, CA

 

[philo]

Could anyone help me?

I am trying to sell my old USB external hard drive and need to erase
all data completely.
Many of floppy-based data erase software (ie Data Erase,,,etc) does not
recognize a USB
hard drive. Then I tried to use "Erase 5.8" which can be launced from
Windows XP.
It seems OK because it can browse the USB external hard drive (because
runs on Windows XP). But I found another problem!

In the USB external hard drive, there is a folder called "System Volume
Information," which can't be deleted because it is always accessed by
the Windows system.

just right click on the drive's icon and select: format

 

[a241y]

Thank you. But, I don't think Format erases data completely. I am
seeking a way to erase data by overwriting patters like 00, ff, 55 or
random.
In my understanding, Eraser 5.8 can completely erase all deleted
files, but System Volume Information still remains, because it is not
"deleted."

Any advise?

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

How to gain access to the System Volume Information folder
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/309531/en-us

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User
Microsoft Community Newsgroups
news://msnews.microsoft.com/

---------------------------------------------------------------------------­----------------

:

| Thank you. But, I don't think Format erases data completely. I am
| seeking a way to erase data by overwriting patters like 00, ff, 55 or
| random.
| In my understanding, Eraser 5.8 can completely erase all deleted
| files, but System Volume Information still remains, because it is not
| "deleted."
|
| Any advise?

 

[a241y]

How to gain access to the System Volume Information folder

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/309531/en-us

Thank you. This is helpful. I could access and delete Sytem Volume
Information folder. But, after deleting it, then connect the USB
harddrive to a PC again, a System Volume Information folder was created
again. Is this normal behavior?

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Why are you reconnecting your USB drive to your
computer if you already reformatted the hard drive
and successfully deleted the System Volume Information
folder? I thought you wanted to sell it?

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User
Microsoft Community Newsgroups
news://msnews.microsoft.com/

---------------------------------------------------------------------------­----------------

:

| Thank you. This is helpful. I could access and delete Sytem Volume
| Information folder. But, after deleting it, then connect the USB
| harddrive to a PC again, a System Volume Information folder was created
| again. Is this normal behavior?

 

[Jonah]

Thank you. This is helpful. I could access and delete Sytem Volume
Information folder. But, after deleting it, then connect the USB
harddrive to a PC again, a System Volume Information folder was created
again. Is this normal behavior?

Yes it is - default behaivoir anyway.

System Volume Information is the Restore Point data. It is
automatically added to all HDDs.

Start > Settings > Control Panel > System > System Restore Tab > Check
the "Turn off System Restore on all drives" box

This will remove all system restore points and you can delete System
Volume Information folders should they be present - Carey posted how -
then wipe and re-format your drive.

Disconnect your USB Drive and re-enable system restore if you want it
on.

Jonah

 

[a241y]

Thank you, Carey and Jonah,

Why are you reconnecting your USB drive to your
computer if you already reformatted the hard drive
and successfully deleted the System Volume Information
folder? I thought you wanted to sell it?

Yes, I want to sell or donate it and I am worring if System Volume
Information contains personal information.