i have a pc thats about 3 yrs old and i have reformatted in the past i was just wondering if its better to use a program like DBAN to totally erase hd before i format?
2007-07-24 03:52:44 · 5 answers · asked by grungy 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
Only if you're worried about data retrieval companies pulling confidential information from the old drive.
Reformatting takes care of everything as far as your new OS is concerned.
2007-07-24 04:10:58 · answer #1 · answered by C-Man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you mean low level format NO ! A low level format will leave the drive clean but only usable for a storrage drive. It will turn a 133 serial ata down to a 66 or even a 33. Thats data transfer rate ! Use the soft ware from the drives manufacturers web site. Its designed not to effect firmware on the drive but dont low level format with theirs ' either. You might think about purchasing a new drive and just use your old drive as a slave Their very cheap now. You can check any of the hard drive manufacturers. Theyll tell you the same thing. Unless disposal of the drive is your main goal do not low level format and and do that only when data security is an issue
2007-07-24 04:11:03 · answer #2 · answered by John O 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you format a hardrive, it doesn't actually erase the data, it just sets markers for where to write over existing data. so it's still technically possible to extract the data (if you really want). If you want to physically wipe out the data before writing over the harddrive though, you can use DBAN.
2007-07-24 03:58:55 · answer #3 · answered by Alex G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont think so you need to wipe it, nor have even heard anyone doing such thing before reformat
Use and program which you trust. It better to be safe then sorry
Regards
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2007-07-24 04:03:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you have too. Reformat is wiping your hard drive
2007-07-24 03:56:12 · answer #5 · answered by Grape Shield 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋