And of the HD utilities like those from maxtor will write zeroes and Systemwoks 2003 has a wipe program that I think meets overment specs. Dependfs on who you are trying to keep from seeing the data.
The gov wants it rewritten like 20 times to be sure it can't be recovered. For most purposes writing zeroes on top once is enough.
Are you trying to hide that you had booteg mp3's or stolen secrets from the CIA?
Always a pleasure Tex. I trust all is well with you. Not for me but a bud that may have a few 'frowned upon' download files from a sat company. Wants a clean slate.
Wrap it with 1000 turns of coper wire, insert both ends into AC power source (1KV or more recomended).
That should do it.
On a serious note, what has been mentioned would work as well - the 0 write utilities. I think these write all 0's, then all 1's then 01's then 10's etc... and it makes sure there's no magnetic "traces" left from the old data.
Each drive manufacturer makes their own low-level format tools. Go to the manufacturer's website to download their disk utility, which will have a zero or a low-level format utility included.
the DOD spec for their equipment is seven format routines. a low level format (albeit overkill) would do nicely. if you have a copy of SpinRite 5.0 i believe that it will perform it. either way i would have to believe that no one is going to investigate further if they dont see something suspious in a normal view.
Comments
The gov wants it rewritten like 20 times to be sure it can't be recovered. For most purposes writing zeroes on top once is enough.
Are you trying to hide that you had booteg mp3's or stolen secrets from the CIA?
If it was choice two then burn it Mike.
Tex
The CIA stuff is still 'safe' with me Tex.
That should do it.
On a serious note, what has been mentioned would work as well - the 0 write utilities. I think these write all 0's, then all 1's then 01's then 10's etc... and it makes sure there's no magnetic "traces" left from the old data.