ersase hard drive

Hello
I have been reading about erasing my hard drive as I have to exchange my PC with a company.
If it is not asking too much, could someone outline how to do this?
All the tutorials seem to assume the program is ready to go.
I think I am supposed to download to my desktop the particular program like eraser, file shredder, or dban -the easier the better.
I then would "send to" this program to my usb drive .
I then set boot order so when I reboot I see the program in the flashdrive from where I will erase the pc.
I tried the flashdrive with F8 and I can see it so I assume I can boot from it.
I do not know if this is correct so far, as I am reaching.
Depending upon the program would determine my steps, and I have no idea what they are. I am hoping there is a program that is straight forward and leads one to 'erase' C: or 'computer'.
I am not concerned if it is one pass - that would be better than just formatting.
This is not a program one wants to test/experiment with due to obvious consequences.
If you have a few moments I would appreciate your kind reply.
Thank you
Peter

 

Download and run eraser.

http://majorgeeks.com/Eraser_d4221.html

 

>>Two things; I ddi not read where it says it works with Win 7x64 and secondly, I do not even know where to begin with it.
Could you please let me know something. Is it accurate thinking to install a program in a flashdrive, set the boot order to boot from it and run a program from there? I tapped F* and saw my usb drive there so assume I can boot from there.
I was thinking of installing either Ccleaner's or Revos drive wiper programs in a flashdrive and running the program from there. It seems simple like inserting the C: in the box and clicking "delete" but I am not sure.
I am saying I don't know how to begin and am not confident to just start something I cannot finish.
There are tons of ads about how thorough a program is but little in the way of clear directions.

 

Here is a step by step guide to using dban. First you will have to download it ( somewhere easy to find, like My Documents ) and then burn the ISO to a cd using Imgburn. http://www.majorgeeks.com/ImgBurn_d4870.html. http://www.ucd.ie/itservices/itsupp...howtousedbantoremovethecontentsfromaharddisk/. First link is to the Imgburn download and the second is the how to use link. Just be sure that your system is set to boot from CD/DVD first in BIOS. This link is to the dban download, http://www.majorgeeks.com/Dariks_Boot_and_Nuke_d4596.html. Hope this helps.

 

Hello
Below is a reply I received when I asked a question in the Eraser forum as part of my investigation.
I am keeping your information until I can sort this out. I am not trying to waste other's time but am trying to reslolve this so i can return the machine with peace of mind. I do not know these people and defer to you;what do you think of this person's answer?
I hope to work this out with you .
Peter

>>
Eraser works natively with 64 and 32 bit Windows. The relevant version is automatically installed from the common install file.

I recommend that you install the current stable release (6.0.8 ), and that you read the FAQ topic "Getting to know Eraser 6", which answers most of the basic questions. But please don't do that until you have answered my questions below.

As Eraser works with Windows, it cannot fully erase the hard drive on which Windows is installed. For that, you would need a utility such as DBAN (for which there is a companion forum), but I hesitate to recommend that in your case, because DBAN has nor been updated for some years and does not work on some systems.

If you can give me an idea of what kind of machine you are part-exchanging (laptop? desktop? how old?), I can offer advice as to the easiest way of making it safe to part with.>>

 

>>Ok I downloaded DBAN to desktop as a zipped file but did not unzip it.
I also downloaded the image burner. Should I first open the image burner and then use it to burn a cd-r? When do I set boot order to boot from cd?
I have read the tutorial am will keep reading.
Thanx again

 

I should have asked what your experience level was. You would set your boot order after burning the cd with Imgburn, and it should be in the cd/dvd rom player. After the reboot which is necessary, you should see a prompt asking you to boot from CD, allow your system to do so.

 

Plesse note the additional information I picked up in my investigation.
I mention it as other people with new Dells may be reading this and could benefit. From all I have read, I do understand the process of running the program from the disc etc but, due to the risks and cautions, I will restore to factory settings and clean the free spce, I will then change my passwords and data as nescessary.
If anyone could look at either CCleaner and Revo and tell me how to clean the free space I would be gateful. Otherwise I wnt to thank those who were so patient with this lengty issue. I really appreciate your patience and help.
Peter

Yes, DBAN would be the correct tool, but that would require some tweaking and hacking on your part, as it doesn't work too well with newer computers.

Alternatively, you can format and reinstall Windows, and run a Free Space erase on the new-clean Windows drive. That is not a perfect solution, but it should be sufficiently clean for most (the necessary "cleanliness" would be determined by yourself)Be sure to read the FAQ before posting. If you found this application useful, please contribute to Eraser's development.

I develop Eraser but I am not an employee of Heidi Computers Ltd. My views do not represent those of Heidi Computers Ltd.
Don't PM or Email me questions: they won't be answered any faster than on the forum and knowledge won't be accessible by all.
Joel
Eraser DevTeam

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Re: support questions
by DavidHB » Mon Apr 18, 2011 4:34 am

As it is a branded machine, there may well be a utility to restore it to factory condition. If there is, you could use that (it will format the drive), then (as Joel says) use the Eraser free space erase to make your machine

 

A sense of humor goes a long way - after all is said and done the solution was right under my nose. I have no choice really.
In all honesty, DAVID had suggested the same thing but sending one's hard drive out is a touchy thing. I'll survive.rolleyes