What software works the best for wiping out a computer?

ufcrusher · 03-27-2003, 10:43 PM

I was wondering if anyone knew what software that I should use to wipe clean this computer that I am sending back to Dell. Due to the fact that I had a bunch of information from different attorneys I worked for...I cant have any of that information being recovered.

So is there any free ware that will do a good enough job? Alternatively, what software should i buy? Thanks in advance.

NuTs62 · 03-28-2003, 01:04 AM

magnet

kfc · 03-28-2003, 02:28 AM

Fire?

Memo · 03-28-2003, 03:10 AM

iolo software (http://www.iolo.com/) has a program called DriveScrubber which will do the trick. I've never used it myself but i've used their program System Mechanic whic has an "incinerator" that they GUARANTEE will remove a file from your hard drive. Drive Scrubber is basically the same program but wipes the drive.

Booyamos · 03-28-2003, 09:03 AM

I have been trying out some programs here at work, but I am looking for a free program right now. I have been using BCwipe lately http://www.jetico.com/index.htm#/bcwipe3.htm and it seems to work ok... takes about 6 hours for a 20 giger though.

I want something faster and easier that will deal with errors.

bachviet · 03-28-2003, 09:35 AM

Turn it on and pour water on it!

johnnymk · 03-28-2003, 10:17 AM

EasyClean..but it takes forever

GilbertsGrape · 03-29-2003, 12:44 AM

just buy DeathStars or maxtor drives those drives will go bad when it is time to get a new pc (someitmes sooner)

ufcrusher · 03-30-2003, 12:16 AM

Well thanks for the replies! I ended up using the Iolo Drive Scrubber software. I chose the DOD grade scrubbing choice....it took 15 hours to scrub the 30 gig drive on the laptop, but it kept over writing the information 9 times as required for secret data destruction. It seemed to do the trick...and must have been better than just reformating the drive a couple of times. I actually had wiped out all the sensitive data, defragged it, and then ran the scrubber.

Either way, after letting it run all night, it finally finished. I reinstalled Win XP and all the original software that came with the system so Dell cant raise a ruckus and the computer is now ready to be returned to Dell on Monday.

Thanks again.

gwilks98 · 03-31-2003, 11:01 AM

Would a low level format do the trick?

03-27-2003, 10:43 PM	#1
ufcrusher Admiral Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Boca Raton, FL: By way of: Poway, CA; Gainesville, Fl; Penn Valley, Pa. Posts: 5,680	What software works the best for wiping out a computer? I was wondering if anyone knew what software that I should use to wipe clean this computer that I am sending back to Dell. Due to the fact that I had a bunch of information from different attorneys I worked for...I cant have any of that information being recovered. So is there any free ware that will do a good enough job? Alternatively, what software should i buy? Thanks in advance. __________________ Welcome my son, welcome to the machine...Where have you been? It's alright we know where you've been....

03-28-2003, 09:03 AM	#5
Booyamos Commander Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 1,277	I have been trying out some programs here at work, but I am looking for a free program right now. I have been using BCwipe lately http://www.jetico.com/index.htm#/bcwipe3.htm and it seems to work ok... takes about 6 hours for a 20 giger though. I want something faster and easier that will deal with errors. __________________ Boo ya Grandma

03-31-2003, 11:01 AM	#10
gwilks98 Vice Admiral Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: StL Posts: 4,300	Would a low level format do the trick? __________________ "I know the pieces fit, cause I watched them fall away." "Cold silence has A tendancy to Atrophy any Sense of compassion." MJK

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03-28-2003, 01:04 AM	#2
NuTs62 Vice Admiral Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: San Francisco Posts: 4,763	magnet

03-28-2003, 02:28 AM	#3
kfc Lieutenant Junior Grade Join Date: Dec 1999 Posts: 150	Fire?

03-28-2003, 03:10 AM	#4
Memo Admiral Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: East Village Posts: 5,659	iolo software (http://www.iolo.com/) has a program called DriveScrubber which will do the trick. I've never used it myself but i've used their program System Mechanic whic has an "incinerator" that they GUARANTEE will remove a file from your hard drive. Drive Scrubber is basically the same program but wipes the drive.

03-28-2003, 09:35 AM	#6
bachviet What's Da Pho*? Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SoCal (714) Posts: 13,296	Turn it on and pour water on it!

03-28-2003, 10:17 AM	#7
johnnymk Chief of Naval Operations Join Date: May 2000 Location: LEVITTOWN< PA> USA Posts: 13,621	EasyClean..but it takes forever

03-29-2003, 12:44 AM	#8
GilbertsGrape Captain Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: You can’t get there from here, USA Posts: 1,797	just buy DeathStars or maxtor drives those drives will go bad when it is time to get a new pc (someitmes sooner)

03-30-2003, 12:16 AM	#9
ufcrusher Admiral Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Boca Raton, FL: By way of: Poway, CA; Gainesville, Fl; Penn Valley, Pa. Posts: 5,680	Well thanks for the replies! I ended up using the Iolo Drive Scrubber software. I chose the DOD grade scrubbing choice....it took 15 hours to scrub the 30 gig drive on the laptop, but it kept over writing the information 9 times as required for secret data destruction. It seemed to do the trick...and must have been better than just reformating the drive a couple of times. I actually had wiped out all the sensitive data, defragged it, and then ran the scrubber. Either way, after letting it run all night, it finally finished. I reinstalled Win XP and all the original software that came with the system so Dell cant raise a ruckus and the computer is now ready to be returned to Dell on Monday. Thanks again.

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