How to Erase a Hard Drive Using DBAN
Download the DBAN program.
To start, you have to download DBAN.
Save the DBAN ISO file to your box.
Anywhere is fine, but make a mental note as to where.
Burn DBAN to a disc or USB machine.
The DBAN ISO is small enough to fit on a CD or even a flash drive.
If all you have is something larger, like a DVD or BD, that’s fine, too.
Restart and boot into the DBAN disc or USB gadget.
You might see something like the screen below, or maybe your system logo.
Regardless, just let it do its thing.
You’ll know pretty quickly if something isn’t right.
Choose an option from the DBAN main menu.
The screen shown here is the main screen in DBAN and the one you should see first.
DBAN can work in one of two ways.
Continue with this tutorial for some more options or if you’re not sure which way to go.
Immediately start using DBAN with a Quick Command.
ChoosingF3from DBAN’s main menu will open thisQuick Commandsscreen.
DBAN can use one of several different methods to erase files.
pick the links next to the commands to read more about how they work.
DBAN recommends using thedodshortcommand.
you’ve got the option to get to this screen with theENTERkey from DBAN’s main menu.
Along the bottom of the screen are the different menu options.
As you change each option, the top left of the screen will reflect those changes.
The middle of the screen is how you choose which hard drives you want to erase.
Pressing thePkey will launch the PRNG (Pseudo Random Number Generator) controls.
There are two options you could choose fromMersenne Twister and ISAACbut keeping the default one should be perfectly fine.
Selecting the letterMlets you choose which wipe method you want to run.
See the previous step for more information on these options.
DBAN recommends choosingDoD Shortif you’re not sure.
Keeping it at 1 will launch the method once, but should still be enough to erase everything securely.
Finally, you must choose the drive(s) you want to erase.
Move up and down the list with theJandKkeys, and press theSpacekey to select/deselect the drive(s).
The wordwipewill appear to the left of the drive(s) you choose.
As you might see, you might neither stop nor pause the process at this point.
If you’re selling or disposing of your box or hard drive, then you’re done.
If you’re starting from scratch, you’ll need tomake a clean Windows installor a cleanLinux install.
FAQ
You canfactory reset a Macto wipe its hard drive.
Ensure you have a good backup, and sign out of any accounts.
Restart the Mac in Recovery Mode and selectDisk Utilityfrom theUtilitieswindow.
Find your data volume and selectEdit>Delete APFS Volume.
Select your hard drive, chooseErase, and follow the prompts.
Tocompletely erase a hard drive, wipe the hard drive using data destruction software.
To erase an external hard drive, connect the drive to your primary computer.
LaunchFile Explorer, selectThis PC,and grab the external drive.
Right-smack the drive >Format.
Choose an appropriate file system, and follow the prompts.
