Low Level Format Windows 10

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HDDGURU HDD Low Level Format Tool is an application to low-level format in order to process a true and complete disk formatting. Some viruses cannot be removed by antivirus. Moreover, standard formatting cannot delete these malicious applications. The unique solution resides on using a low-level format and HDD Low Level Format Tool is a good choice. Nevertheless, it is better to think twice. Use MHDD32 or PowerMax to low-level format; It could take 1 to 5 hours, depending on your HDD capacity. Also, on UBCD you have tons of tools that can help you diagnose a hard drive problem. My opinion is that a low-level format is a last-hope solution. If you have important data, do a back-up. Low Level Format, Then Clean Install Windows 10? In the past, whenever I have installed or reinstalled an OS I always did so after wiping the drive clean via a third party app such as Kill Disk. Probably unnecessary, but what the hell.

I recently donated several older desktop computers to a halfway house that was looking for used computers to set up with a typing tutorial program for training the residents. I figured that this was a good way to dispose of my excess computer collection while doing some good for the community.

I originally thought I'd just remove the hard disks to prevent any old personal data from falling into the wrong hands. However, the person I spoke to on the phone said that they were going to install Linux and asked that I leave the hard disks in them. So I planned on using the free DBAN hard drive eraser tool. Then I remembered that Windows 10's Format command comes with a special parameter that essentially wipes a hard disk. It was easy to do and worked like a charm. I figured other folks should know about this handy feature, so let's take a closer look.

Note: Using the Format command's parameter to securely wipe a disk does not meet any of the United States Department of Defense standards for hard disk data removal.

The first iteration

When Microsoft launched Windows Vista in 2007 with all of its newfangled user interface features, it enhanced the Format command by adding the /P parameter. This new parameter allows you to overwrite every sector on a disk with 0's during the format procedure. The actual syntax of the parameter is

The /P parameter allows you to specify the number of passes, or in other words, the number of times that you want to overwrite every sector with 0's. By doing so, you decrease the likelihood that anyone would be able to retrieve any sensitive data. Even if you don't specifically use the /P parameter, the Format command will by default make one pass of the overwrite operation, unless you use the /Q parameter to perform a quick format.

SEE: New Windows 10 accessibility features will improve many lives

The enhancement

When Microsoft launched Windows 8, it enhanced the Format command's /P parameter and, of course, this enhancement appears in Windows 10 as well. The /P parameter still allows you to specify the number of passes, but now instead of just overwriting the sectors on a disk with 0's, additional passes overwrite sectors with random numbers. Furthermore, the number of passes you specify is in addition to a single pass of 0's.

So, for example, if you were to use the command

drive F: would be formatted and then every sector on the disk would be overwritten once with 0's. Then, the Format command would overwrite each sector four more times; each time with a different random number. Keep in mind that each additional pass you specify will increase the amount of time it will take the Format command to complete its task. However, as you can imagine, this will really decrease the likelihood that anyone will be able to retrieve any sensitive data.

SEE: Windows 10 helps stop spread of ransomware, Microsoft security researcher says

The Format operation

I was able to perform the Format operation quite easily on my older computer by using a Windows 10 Recovery Drive. To do so, you simply boot the old system from the Recovery Drive and choose the Troubleshoot option from the opening screen, as shown in Figure A.

Figure A

When you are prompted to choose an option, select the Troubleshoot tile.

On the Troubleshoot screen, shown in Figure B, you'll find two tiles. You'll want to choose the Advanced Options tile, which opens a page of more familiar recovery tools.

Figure B

From the Troubleshoot screen, select the Advanced Options tile.

When you select Advanced options, you'll see the screen shown in Figure C, which provides you with six other tools you can use to recover a damaged Windows system.

Figure C

From the Advanced Options screen, select the Command Prompt tile.

Choose the Command Prompt option to open a Command Prompt window like the one in Figure D.

Figure D

You can access the Format command from the Recovery Drive's Command Prompt.

Low Level Format In Windows 10

Now, just enter Format C: /P using whatever number of passes makes you feel comfortable.

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Have you used the Format command's /P parameter to securely wipe a disk? Share your experiences with fellow TechRepublic members.

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Option 1: Intel® Solid State Drive Toolbox (Intel® SSD Toolbox)—Run Secure Erase

Note

Windows® 10 and Windows 8*/8.1* blocks Secure Erase functionality.

Delete all partitions on the Intel® SSD that you want erased.
Download and install Intel® Solid State Drive Toolbox on another hard drive.
Plug into a SATA/eSATA port to install the faulty SSD as secondary drive.
Open Intel® SSD Toolbox. Click Secure Erase.
Click Erase. Download tenda wifi driver.

Note

If a Secure Frozen Warning message displays:

Power-cycle the SSD.
Remove the SATA power cable from the SSD, and quickly reconnect it while the Intel® SSD Toolbox is running.
Depending on your system configuration, you might have to physically remove the SSD from the system.
Unplug and plug in the SSD. Click OK.

Option 2: Intel® Data Migration Software (IDMS)- Acronis* DriveCleanser

Download and install the Intel® Data Migration Software.
Launch the software.
Click Acronis* DriveCleanser.
Select the hard disk with data to wipe. Driver navigator review.
Click OK to confirm.
Select the hard disk wiping algorithm. See the example for U.S. Standard:
Depending on ypur algorithm, you can select the number of passes from 1, up to 35.
Click Proceed.

Low Level Format Tool Windows 10

Option 3: Create Bootable Media Intel® Data Migration Software - Acronis* DriveCleanser

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