Nice link yrag. 7 passes meets the criteria (NSA) for data security.

The links are on the suggested page.

Not really Leo, different idea I think. Norton erases traces of activity and files. It doesn't seem to over write them numerous times. And, it doesn't erase or reformat an entire hard drive. I've actually had slight problems even when I reformat a hard drive and I wonder if traces of the old system still exist.

I would suggest you go to the respective Drive Manufactures web site and download the OnTrack or DiskManager that applies to the specific drive.

Or you could simply do the following, though unless you've an Idea of what it is, I would stay away from trying it.

I would try the respective Drives web site first...

Boot DOS.

At the DOS prompt, enter:

debug


Depending on your disk controller, enter one of the following commands at the ``-'' prompt:

for Adaptec SCSI controllers:

g=dc00:6


for ESDI controllers (IDE):

g=c800:5

See your computer and/or controller documentation for more details.


how low level are you willing to take it?




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actually you should blow the partitions running it through the cycles because they leave the FAT and DAT otherwise, FAT (File Allocation Table) DAT (Directory Allocation Table) to some degree and the MBR completely...

Data Recovery companies use this along with other information to pull data from drvies that have been through fires, hit by lightening and otherwise rendered useless to most people attempting to pull data.

That is the specific reason behind Governmental Disk Wipes and the different acceptable levels for security purposes. Though I am sure more than a few drives end up being melted to slag at some point in time.

You can also do a government wipe by using the debug command and running it through a number of cycles if you like.

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@ Motion!

Keep a giant magnet handy in case government agents come over to confiscate your computer. A really strong electromagnetic magnet is great for erasing your data in a matter of seconds before the agents knock on your door.

aside from the jokes thanks guys. i wiped the drive and installed windows 98. 98 is much easier on my system (little 233 pentium, 128 ram, 4 gig HD) I did the wipe because i hate ME.

THANKS!

@motion

Jafo true most do not need to really zap a drive for sure.
Going a step further with that thought, those who have to ask about it on a message board on the net will fit into that group without a doubt, after thinking about it.

WHich pretty much means that the standard answer of visiting the web site of the drive manufacturer and downloading the Disk Management software which all have online to wipe the drive is/was more than enough out of me now/in the future