Re-write over hard disk

[Dan Rather]

I had a program a while back that would allow me to fully rewrite over
my hard disk to erase data. Unfortunately I lost the program. Are
there any freeware programs that would allow someone to write multiple
times over a hard disk prior to reinstalling a operating system?

Thanks!

 

[Alan]

I used this program once (creates a bootable floppy). It is called
killdisk. They have a commercial version with more options, but this
once works fine. It only erases with one pass of pseudorandom data
which, for most ppl is fine.

Get it here: http://www.killdisk.com/downloadfree.htm


Eraser works in Windows and if I remember correctly you can copy a dos
command line version of it to a bootable floppy and use in dos, and
you can specify multiple overwrites if you need that kind of thing.

http://www.tolvanen.com/eraser/

And finally I found this, but have not used it - it is a boot disk
that is based off of linux which claims to securely overwrite your
harddrive up to 35 times.

http://www.linux-kurser.dk/secure_harddisk_eraser.html

Hope this helps. . .

 

[Roger RamJet]

I had a program a while back that would allow me to fully rewrite over
my hard disk to erase data. Unfortunately I lost the program. Are
there any freeware programs that would allow someone to write multiple
times over a hard disk prior to reinstalling a operating system?

Thanks!

Sami Tolvanens' Eraser is simply the best. In fact, it's
Pricelessware.

http://www.heidi.ie/eraser/

"Q. How do I Erase all hard drives on my PC?
A. Eraser uses the 'Darik's Boot and Nuke' disk option to erase all
your hard drives.

To use this option:
1. Place a floppy (or CD) in your a: drive.
2. Click on the Start button and then choose Programs->Eraser->Create
Boot Nuke Disk.
3. Ensure 'Writing on Floppy' is ticked.
Tick 'Formatting' if your floppy needs to be formatted.
4. Click OK.
Result: Your Boot Nuke Disk has now been created.
5. Boot up your PC with the floppy still remaining in your a: drive.
Remember: If you wish to erase the Hard Disk of another PC, then bring
this Floppy to the PC, insert it into the a: drive and Boot it up.
Result: All drives will now be erased (including the Operating System)
IMPORTANT: USE WITH EXTREME CAUTION."

 

[Roger RamJet]

Sami Tolvanens' Eraser is simply the best. In fact, it's
Pricelessware.

http://www.heidi.ie/eraser/

<snip>

I see Alan beat me to it.

 

[Dan Rather]

Thank you!