Completely format a hard drive?

[werewolf_02]

Hey,

How do you format a hard drive ''COMPLETELY''

So no-one can ever retrieve anything that was on the hard drive...

Thanks in advance

[Dr. DOS]

Mfg "Low Level" Format Utility

[bazooka]

format /u

[yoda313]

Hello,

Don't you need to write it with dummy data and then format it again to ensure that the original data is REALLY gone?????

Kevin

[bazooka]

Hello,

Don't you need to write it with dummy data and then format it again to ensure that the original data is REALLY gone?????

Kevin

That is what format /u does.

It is an unconditional format and writes over the entire drive with 1's and 0's, thus completely erasing what was previously on the disc.

[werewolf_02]

Low Level Format Utility will totally erase hard drive?

How long does it take?

Where do I find the utility...

[werewolf_02]

Also, confuzed about the way bazooka said it,

How would I 'format /u'? ...

[Capmaster]

Low Level Format Utility will totally erase hard drive?

How long does it take?

Where do I find the utility...

The time depends on the speed and size of the drive.

Get the utility from the drive manufacturer's website ..probably under "Support"

Or do as bazooka suggested using a DOS command.

[werewolf_02]

Ok thanks, but there doesn't seem to be a utility for that on the medion website.

The '/u' would I have to change the 'u' to my drive letter?

[Capmaster]

Ok thanks, but there doesn't seem to be a utility for that on the medion website.

The '/u' would I have to change the 'u' to my drive letter?

No. The full command would be:

format c: /u

or change the c: to d: or whatever the drive letter is

[bazooka]

Use a dos floppy and type in the command

a:/format c: /u

[werewolf_02]

Ok, this is for a different computer I am doing this, it had two drives partitioned. So I could format normally and have just one c drive, then I would use the dos menu and type 'format c: /u'

This will totally erase everything that has been on the computer? Its had loads of stuff, and been formatted many times...its about a year old.

[werewolf_02]

By the way I don't have a floppy drive..

[bazooka]

Ok, this is for a different computer I am doing this, it had two drives partitioned. So I could format normally and have just one c drive, then I would use the dos menu and type 'format c: /u'

This will totally erase everything that has been on the computer? Its had loads of stuff, and been formatted many times...its about a year old.

Yes, it will completely remove everything.

[bazooka]

By the way I don't have a floppy drive..

Then I suggest you use a low level format utility that was suggested earlier.

Floppy drives are always good to have.

This is one reason here to have a floppy drive,

[bazooka]

You could copy the dos files to a blank cd and use the cd to do the unconditional format.

[werewolf_02]

Where will I get a low level format utility for my computer? It isn't on the medion website

[tekkieman]

Use a dos floppy and type in the command

a:/format c: /u

I always wondered if you "leaned" the wrong way! :P

a:\ format c: /u

[bazooka]

Use a dos floppy and type in the command

a:/format c: /u

I always wondered if you "leaned" the wrong way! :P

a:\ format c: /u

Sorry....

I am only human and make mistakes. :P

[tekkieman]

Use a dos floppy and type in the command

a:/format c: /u

I always wondered if you "leaned" the wrong way! :P

a:\ format c: /u

Sorry....

I am only human and make mistakes. :P

Sorry, I'm just finding humor in many things today.

[Cobra]

It's the web's fault, bazooka. I am constantly doing that because that's what I'm used to.

[JSB]

Hey,

How do you format a hard drive ''COMPLETELY''

So no-one can ever retrieve anything that was on the hard drive...

Thanks in advance

Start by drilling holes throught the hard drive(platters) then insiterate it.

I know for a fact that a large shipping company (starts with F and ends with EX) drills holes throught their laptop drives. Then they dispose of them.

JSB

[Josef K]

By the way I don't have a floppy drive..

Boot up with a Win98 CD, boot from CD-ROM and 'Start computer with CD-ROM Support'.

Type '$driveletter$:'

Type 'cd win98'.

Type 'format /?'.

[Capmaster]

Hey,

How do you format a hard drive ''COMPLETELY''

So no-one can ever retrieve anything that was on the hard drive...

Thanks in advance

Start by drilling holes throught the hard drive(platters) then insiterate it.

I know for a fact that a large shipping company (starts with F and ends with EX) drills holes throught their laptop drives. Then they dispose of them.

JSB

I think he wants to reuse the HD afterwards.

Let's limit the discussion to helpful information, OK?

[werewolf_02]

Yes, I want to use the hard drive again if possible :P

I still can't find a low level format utility thats ment for my pc?

Ohhh wait, it will be the hard drive website I look at right?!
I look at the company that produced the hard drive? and not the pc? lol...

[Capmaster]

Yes, I want to use the hard drive again if possible :P

I still can't find a low level format utility thats ment for my pc?

Ohhh wait, it will be the hard drive website I look at right?!
I look at the company that produced the hard drive? and not the pc? lol...

You got it. The HD mfg.

[werewolf_02]

Ach im stupid...right, the hard drive!

I'll open the pc up later and check which hard drive it is, then ill use the low level format utility for it.

Once ive done that, no-one can get it back, even with special programs?

Also, its a 160 gig hard drive, how long roughly will it take to low level format?

[Cobra]

I think people can still get it back with specialist knowledge, programs and probably equipment, even after a low-level format. They'd have to be the police though.

A low-level format should suffice for domestic purposes.

A 160GB drive will take a few hours to low-level format.

If you are really that keen to destroy the information, then total physical annihilation of the drive is a must. I can't imagine what sort of data would warrant that sort of action.

Cobra

[werewolf_02]

Okay thats fine then

I'll do a low level format, thanks for all the help!

[Capmaster]

Okay thats fine then

I'll do a low level format, thanks for all the help!

Good luck