[SOLVED] Best way to wipe RMAd hard drive?

jim_d · 03-08-2011, 09:49 AM

I'm returning a failing [under warrantee] WD hard drive--first time I've ever RMAd a hard drive. Drive has Mint+Ubuntu installed.

I've backed up my data and am wondering:

What's the best way to wipe the data before I return drive? I want to do this right because I don't want any hassles with WD about this.

Should I use my Mint or Ubuntu LiveCD to reformat it? Or is it better to use a Linux pgm to write zeros?

Thanks for tips--

djsmiley2k · 03-08-2011, 09:53 AM

download DBAN and run that on it.

DBAN - Just make sure you've disconnected any other hdds first

(Or you can use shred, as in `shred /dev/sdb` - man shred for more info)

syg00 · 03-08-2011, 10:12 AM

If it were me, I'd just format it as a single NTFS partition from Linux. That zeroes the partition first then formats it as NTFS.
Should be enough for a "normal" home user.

DBAN is to keep the spooks away from your door ...

Any option will take a while.

szboardstretcher · 03-08-2011, 10:16 AM

Run DBAN and zero the drive.

PS:

Aside from theory,.. is it physically possible, practical, in reality, to retrieve *any* usable data from a zeroed drive? So, Like right now, if I zero this drive, where can I take it to retrieve the information previously destroyed?

jefro · 03-08-2011, 04:13 PM

Low level format.