how do you wipe a hard disk?

Answer 1

in dos type format C:

Answer 2

How to wipe your HARD drive - Windows


There are disk wiping utilities and programmes available that will erase data if correctly used. Some programmes erase the entire disk, while others allow you to select which files or folders to erase. It is important that the utility or programme provide an option to erase free space (temporary files).

Other methods of destroying data include degaussing and destruction. Degaussing is a process by which the storage media is subjected to a powerful magnetic field to remove the data on the media. Degaussing may make the media inoperable; therefore use this method if the media does not need to be reused.

Destruction is recommended for removable media (CD-ROMS, diskettes, tapes) containing highly sensitive data that cannot be wiped using utilities/products described above. This is done by shredding disk platters, grinding the surfaces off of CD's, incinerating tapes, or cracking/ cutting the media.
If you no longer wish to use the hard drive then take it apart and use a magnet.

Answer 3

Why would you want to wipe a hard disk ????

Well - the BAD news is that its very difficult to - There are recovery programmes out there that can restore wiped data - I've seen remains of computers that have been TOTALLY DESTROYED and yet they have managed to get back most if not all the info from the remains of the hard drive.

If the computer is linked up to a network the info will backed up on a server so wiping that single drive will not work.

Also - if you have info from the net which you shouldn't have looked up, wiping the hard drive will not help as there will be a trail through the phone line.

Answer 4

Get windows washer this will not only destroy all data on the drive but reset it to the manufacturers settings, but this will also remove any partitions and any data on the drive you have. You won't be able to wipe a drive with NTFS file system on it with Dos only if you remove the partitions first and then repartition it after.
You can get windows washer from Download.com install it and then have a look at it's utilities to make a bootable floppy or CD to perform this action but if you have data on the drive you wish to keep transfer it to another drive and disconnect that drive before you use the washing programme as well as any other hard drives you wish to keep data on as this programme destroys data on all drive that are present at the time of running. This will destroy all data and once it's gone it's gone for good. Or you can use the XP install disk as this will allow you to format and restart a new install of XP. But use the full version of the format as if you don't and use the quick version you'll end up with a Ghosting of the previous installation and data left behind. Using the XP install disk is the quickest way but even when using the full format data can still be restored so it's not a secure way of destroying data.
If your system hasn't been converted from Fat 16 or 32 to NTFS you can do this from Dos by typing the command format c:

Answer 5

To completely wipe ur HDD, (if u doesn't need the data anymore), use Seagate's Disk Wizard tool. It does a low level formatting. Remember u'll lose all the data!

Answer 6

goto the shop in question (preferably a cuterly shop) take the disk off the shelf, drop it and if it doent break, thats hard alright, then when nobodys looking put it in your coat and nick it, so there, you've wiped a hard disk

Answer 7

Ive heard on here that some people use a really strong magnet to wipe it.
just type your question in the search box.

Answer 8

The computer you have should have a restart disk. insert disk and run it and it should clean the drive.

Answer 9

If you want to use it again, just connect it to a PC and format it. If you want to sell it, there are free programs available which will format and write nonsense to the HD thousands of times. You wont get safer than that.

If you just want to destroy it safely, take the drive apart, take the platters out and blowtorch/angle-grind them. Great fun.

Answer 10

why do you wipe