Simple Question Before Format C:

I'm going to format C tomorrow. I'd like to be able to use a disk wiper first.

As I understand it, merely formatting the HD doesn't erase everything; some registry entries remain. Since my HD is heavily hacked, I have faith the hacker planted a seed that would regenerate it after formatting.

I heard once of a disk wiper that ZEROES OUT the whole drive. I think the name was "Kill" or something. The wiper apps I find are for less intense usage.

Can you give me a link to a disk wiper app that does that? I'll use it by putting it on an empty data "stick", having BIOS boot from that. THEN I'll format C: when it's done.

Thanks,
Holly B.

 

That is not true. When you format the drive, all data is effectively deleted (for your stated purposes). Using a wiping program is just wasting your time and putting unnecessary wear on the drive.

The ONLY time you need to wipe a drive is for security purposes when you are getting rid of the drive. Since you are keeping the drive and reinstalling the operating system, a whole new (and clean) Registry will be created. Wiping the drive first will NOT result in a cleaner or more efficient OS installation.

BTW, the program you are talking about is KillDisk but again, you don't need it. And if you have CCleaner, it has a wipe feature built in called Drive Wiper. One of its nicer features is you can set it to only wipe free space. So if you want, you can format and reinstall your OS, then install CCleaner and wipe the free space - but if me, I would not waste my time.

 

My information was old. Glad to hear there's no way this hack can be regenerated after a format and reinstall.
Thanks much!

 

Actually, it has always been the way I described it.

If you are really worried about the bad guy, wipe the disk for peace of mind. Or better yet, get a new disk - a SSD and not only will not have to worry about a bad guy, you will significantly improve the performance of your computer too.

Other wise, the information in your old Registry will be gone just by formatting and reinstalling the OS. And as soon as you start using the computer and filling the disk again with your own downloaded files, those saved files will be filling the storage locations with 1s and 0s just as a wipe program does, except with your files instead of just a bunch of random 1s and 0s.