WEBINAR: Managed security service providers often deploy & manage products from a variety of solution vendors. But is this really the best approach when it comes to saving time AND money? Join us on Aug. 15th to learn how you can improve your total cost of ownership today!
Built in Windows secure data wiping command?
I had some pay for software that could do this while you would be working in Windows (I run it against external hard drives). It was a good piece of software, but the license key would no longer work (after a computer format), for complicated (I am being polite) reasons. So I gave up on it's rent seeking attempts at not cannibalizing its own sales and wondered, does Windows have something built in that can do a secure wipe? Or at the very least zero out the drive? Like a command line utility or something?
If so, it would be a useful thing to know, because you can continue working in windows while securely wipe hard drives that are attached to an external (toaster) hard drive bay...as apposed to using DBAN.
Thanks for any insight that you can offer.
If so, it would be a useful thing to know, because you can continue working in windows while securely wipe hard drives that are attached to an external (toaster) hard drive bay...as apposed to using DBAN.
Thanks for any insight that you can offer.
Who is Participating?
Experts Exchange Solution brought to you by
Enjoy your complimentary solution view.
Get every solution instantly with premium.
Start your 7-day free trial.
I wear a lot of hats...
"The solutions and answers provided on Experts Exchange have been extremely helpful to me over the last few years. I wear a lot of hats - Developer, Database Administrator, Help Desk, etc., so I know a lot of things but not a lot about one thing. Experts Exchange gives me answers from people who do know a lot about one thing, in a easy to use platform." -Todd S.
LVL 60
Look at cipher.exe https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/814599 (article suits for newer windows, too)
Experts Exchange Solution brought to you by
Your issues matter to us.
Facing a tech roadblock? Get the help and guidance you need from experienced professionals who care. Ask your question anytime, anywhere, with no hassle.
Start your 7-day free trial
Another option is to get the open source application "Eraser" portable. It can be installed on a thumb drive and taken with you.
http://portableapps.com/apps/security/eraser-portable
http://portableapps.com/apps/security/eraser-portable
Adding to McKnife's recommendation of cipher, here's a PCMag article about it:
http://www.pcmag.com/slideshow_viewer/0,3253,l=255105&a=255105&po=8,00.asp
You didn't say what version of Windows you have, so note that the article is about W7, although it says that cipher is also in XP Pro and Vista. You would, of course, delete all folders/files first (or format the drive), then use cipher to wipe it. Regards, Joe
Update: I just checked a W8 and W10 system — cipher.exe exists on both (in System32 and SysWOW64). Regards, Joe
http://www.pcmag.com/slideshow_viewer/0,3253,l=255105&a=255105&po=8,00.asp
You didn't say what version of Windows you have, so note that the article is about W7, although it says that cipher is also in XP Pro and Vista. You would, of course, delete all folders/files first (or format the drive), then use cipher to wipe it. Regards, Joe
Update: I just checked a W8 and W10 system — cipher.exe exists on both (in System32 and SysWOW64). Regards, Joe
I like HD Tune. http://www.hdtune.com/
It's only $35 USD.
From their home page.
HD Tune Pro is a hard disk / SSD utility with many functions. It can be used to measure the drive's performance, scan for errors, check the health status (S.M.A.R.T.), securely erase all data and much more.
You can not only securely erase a drive, but you can test it to see if you can re-use it or not.
I use it mostly for testing hard drives. in fact, last week I went through my pile of laptop SATA drives and very quickly was able to separate the wheat from the chaff.
It's only $35 USD.
From their home page.
HD Tune Pro is a hard disk / SSD utility with many functions. It can be used to measure the drive's performance, scan for errors, check the health status (S.M.A.R.T.), securely erase all data and much more.
You can not only securely erase a drive, but you can test it to see if you can re-use it or not.
I use it mostly for testing hard drives. in fact, last week I went through my pile of laptop SATA drives and very quickly was able to separate the wheat from the chaff.
Thanks everyone for the good suggestions, I ended going with Cipher as it is free, built in and more than good enough for our purposes.
It's more than this solution.Get answers and train to solve all your tech problems - anytime, anywhere.Try it for free Edge Out The Competitionfor your dream job with proven skills and certifications.Get started today Stand Outas the employee with proven skills.Start learning today for free Move Your Career Forwardwith certification training in the latest technologies.Start your trial today
Storage Hardware
From novice to tech pro — start learning today.
Question has a verified solution.
Are you are experiencing a similar issue? Get a personalized answer when you ask a related question.
Have a better answer? Share it in a comment.
Experts Exchange Solution brought to you by
Enjoy your complimentary solution view.
Get every solution instantly with premium.
Start your 7-day free trial.