Boot and Nuke

[G0AOZ]

User requested a 13Gb IDE drive be security wiped, prior to being used elsewhere - think the machine is being donated to a charity.

Downloaded and started running Darik's Boot and Nuke. No problem there - it's running through it ok. However... I accept that this process isn't quick, but the on-screen statistics suggest it'll need over 7 hours to complete this task!

Since I have no experience of using this software, I'd appreciate confirmation from others who have...

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[ArizonaGeek]

7 hours for a 13 gig drive, if you are doing the longest wipe that is about right, it also depends on the processor speed as well.

Cheers
Rob

The answer is always "PEBKAC!

 

[kmcferrin]

Agreed. We rented equipment and facilities for DR testing a year or so back, and we had to make sure that the servers got wiped before we turned them back over to the vendor. I recall that we had to leave DBAN running over the weekend before they completed.

The other thing to consider is that DBAN runs a wipe that is DOD compliant, but just a couple of passes will be enough to deter all but the most determined and well-funded snoops.

 

[HalComps]

this is usual according to the DBaN sites

This process will take three hours or more depending on the size of the hard drive(s) in the computer and the processor speed, so it would probably be best to set it going over night.

 

[wahnula]

I believe there is a quick wipe option, not DOD compliant but a whole lot faster. I used it when de-vistafying and as I recall it only took about 30 minutes BUT...since the machine is being donated to charity, why not "secure wipe" the old 13GB drive with a hammer and donate a nice new 40GB drive that only costs about $30? The wear and tear on the machine + power usage is something to consider, plus opening up and smashing a HDD's platters to pieces is always fun!

Another option is to write zeros to the drive using HDD maker's utility.

Tony

 

[G0AOZ]

Thanks for the confirmation guys...

Tony, I can't decide between attacking it with a jack hammer, getting the local ordnance core to blow it up for me, or strapping it to the caterpiller track on the demolition guy's bulldozer!

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[kmcferrin]

Well, if you smash it up I believe that there are some insanely strong magnets in there to play with.

 

[MaxEd]

You can order up an expensive piece of equipment to wipe it. It's basically a giant magnet. I've seen it once and don't dare to be in the room with any electronics when it's on. One low cost option is to go get a program called killdisk.

-Laughter works miracles.

 

[acewarlock]

I bought a Bulk Tape Eraser at Radio Schack and it works great on Hard Drives.

 

[CiscoRC]

Ever use a sweet program called "Troubleshooter"? They have a nice "Wipe" functionality.

***************
R. Corrigan Jr.
Network+, (working on CCENT+CCNA)

 

[Sympology]

We have one of those lovely degaussing tables (huge magnets) for our hdd's.

Great fun for people with stanless steel watches....

Only the truly stupid believe they know everything.
Stu.. 2004