Security wipe of USB hard drive

[ToddAndMargo]

Hi All,

I have a customer who wants to return an external
USB hard drive to the vendor. The drive has lots of
very private information on it. Anyone have a favorite
method/utility to destroy this data?

Many thanks,
-T

 

[JS]

As your customer is and has a valid concern
that someone may gain access to the data files,
yes then can with erase all traces.

In which case you should run a special disk wipe software package
(see below) after deleting all the files and folders on the USB drive.

Eraser: http://www.heidi.ie/node/6
Also see: http://www.freedownloadscenter.com/Best/dod-erase-free.html

Note: Use the DOD method (at least 7 passes) for 'Unused/Free' space,
Make absolutely certain that you have selected the correct drive letter!!!

JS
http://www.pagestart.com

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=207251 ??

 

[ToddAndMargo]

As your customer is and has a valid concern
that someone may gain access to the data files,
yes then can with erase all traces.

In which case you should run a special disk wipe software package
(see below) after deleting all the files and folders on the USB drive.

Eraser: http://www.heidi.ie/node/6
Also see: http://www.freedownloadscenter.com/Best/dod-erase-free.html

Note: Use the DOD method (at least 7 passes) for 'Unused/Free' space,
Make absolutely certain that you have selected the correct drive letter!!!

Thank you!
-T

 

[John Barnett MVP]

Eraser (http://www.heidi.ie/node/6) is a free application that is capable of
destroying the data. The default wipe is one pass which isn't much use. The
best thing to do is change the security pass option to DOD 5220-22-M. You
can, of course go up to 35 passes if you so wish, but the more passes the
longer it is going to take to clean the disk. Depending upon disk size, even
with 7 passes, you could be looking at many hours or even days.

Once eraser is installed just click the Windows Start button and then click
Computer. In the computer window, Right click on the drive and then, from
the drop down menu, click on 'Erase unused space' option.


--
John Barnett MVP
Windows XP Associate Expert
Windows Desktop Experience

Web: http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org
Web: http://vistasupport.mvps.org
Web: http://www.silversurfer-guide.com

The information in this mail/post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any
kind, either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this mail/post. The Author shall not be liable for
any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the
use of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this
mail/post..

 

[JS]

You're welcome.

JS

Thank you!
-T

 

[ToddAndMargo]

Eraser (http://www.heidi.ie/node/6) is a free application that is
capable of destroying the data. The default wipe is one pass which isn't
much use. The best thing to do is change the security pass option to DOD
5220-22-M. You can, of course go up to 35 passes if you so wish, but the
more passes the longer it is going to take to clean the disk. Depending
upon disk size, even with 7 passes, you could be looking at many hours
or even days.

Once eraser is installed just click the Windows Start button and then
click Computer. In the computer window, Right click on the drive and
then, from the drop down menu, click on 'Erase unused space' option.

Thank you!

-T

 

[John Barnett MVP]

You're Welcome

--

--
John Barnett MVP
Windows XP Associate Expert
Windows Desktop Experience

Web: http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org
Web: http://vistasupport.mvps.org
Web: http://www.silversurfer-guide.com

The information in this mail/post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any
kind, either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this mail/post. The Author shall not be liable for
any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the
use of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this
mail/post..