erase your hard drive with DBAN

In this review of DBAN I mention that it’s not the most user friendly product, but if you give it a couple stabs more often than not you’ll succeed. Keep in mind DBAN is open source and free. Commercial products often come with support where as open source, not so much.

Now on to the DBAN review…

darik’s boot and nuke is Free Software one can use to boot and nuke your hdd (hard drive).

But with so many open source and commercial solutions to erase your hard drive one might wonder what is the best and why? Lets review two solutions one can use to nuke your hard drive.

1. DBAN
2. WipeDrive

DBAN versus Wipedrive

DBAN is a free disk eraser located on sourceforge which will wipe most hard drives clear of all data. WipeDrive is approved by the Department of Defense, and it is trusted by government agencies and major corporations as their primary disk wipe utility. Wipedrive will permanently wipe all hard drive information / data including partitions, formats & file data. Wipe external hard drives, thumb drives, memory cards, SD, SDHD, SDXD, iPods & other external media. Support for all PC and Mac Computers (Intel, AMD & PowerPC).

If you don’ t mind paying a little cash WipeDrive is clearly the way to go. Its easier to use and can be used to wipe the drive of many of your hardware devices which contain a hard disk.

Keep in mind during this review that if you lack a little geek in your blood DBAN could be difficult to get going however, with a little perseverance even the faint of heart can get DBAN to do what they need it to do. Feel free to ask questions below in the comment section.

“Darik’s Boot and Nuke (”DBAN”) is a self-contained boot floppy that securely wipes the hard disks of most computers. DBAN will automatically and completely delete the contents of any hard disk that it can detect, which makes it an appropriate utility for bulk or emergency data destruction on your hdd. The most recent release is beta DBAN 2.2.6. In order to install DBAN wants you to burn the file to a blank disc and boot the computer with it. Do not unzip this file.

DBAN is a means of ensuring due diligence in computer recycling, a way of preventing identity theft if you want to sell a computer, and a good way to totally clean a Microsoft Windows installation of viruses, malware, and spyware. DBAN prevents or thoroughly hinders all known techniques of hard disk forensic analysis. This means it writes over the existing data making it virtually impossible to recover the data it over wrote. Both wipe drive and dariks boot and nuke are great options to erase your hard drive.

Both utilities will permanently wipe your hard drive clean.

Download WipeDrive here

or go to dban.sourceforge.net

Now one might ask “How do I use dban to erase my hard drive?” well I’m glad you asked! Below I’ll give you two simple to use instructions to autonuke your hard drive clean.

There are two ways to accomplish this, I’ll review both ways in simple form then break down the USB Flash installation in more detail. 1 – load dban to a CD, 2 – install dban on a USB flash drive

Simple dban CD install instructions – DBAN 2.x only:

1. Download the most recent version of DBAN 2.x
2. Burn the ISO to CD
3. Insert the CD into your CD ROM
4. Reboot your computer
5. Follow the prompts

Installing DBAN on a floppy or USB flash drive

DBAN version 1.0.7 allows you to install the dban to flash drive or floppy disk. Here’s the simple step by step instructions:

1. Download the exe file
2. double click the exe file to execute it
3. follow the instruction presented to load it onto you flash drive or floppy disk

If that didn’t work for you here’s more detailed installation instructions for Darik’s Boot and Nuke (dban-1.0.7_i386)

——————

1.0 About Darik’s Boot and Nuke

2.0 Installing DBAN

2.1 Creating the DBAN boot media on Microsoft Windows

2.2 Creating the DBAN CD-R disc on Microsoft Windows

2.3 Creating the DBAN floppy disk on Linux

2.4 Creating the DBAN CD-R disc on Linux

3.0 Using DBAN

3.1 Getting Help and Support

4.0 Configuring DBAN

4.1 Automatic Wiping

4.2 SYSLINUX.CFG

5.1 Free Updates

5.2 Contact Information

6.0 Advanced Features

6.1 Logging

6.2 PRNG Seeding

7.0 Legal

1.0 About Darik’s Boot and Nuke

——————————–

Darik’s Boot and Nuke (“DBAN”) is a self-contained boot floppy that securely

wipes the hard disks of most computers. DBAN will automatically and completely

delete the contents of any hard disk that it can detect, which makes it an

appropriate utility for bulk or emergency data destruction and cleaning.

2.0 Installing DBAN

——————–

2.1 Creating the DBAN boot media on Microsoft Windows

——————————————————-

Double-click the ‘dban-1.0.7_i386.exe’ program to install DBAN to a

floppy disk or USB flash device.

You must use an account with full hardware access to create the DBAN boot

media. This means that you must be a member of the administrators group or

have similar privileges on your Microsoft Windows computer. Virus scanners

and domain policies can prevent you from creating the DBAN boot media.

The USB booting capabilities of many computers are incomplete or broken. Most

computers capable of booting from a USB device require that it report a

removable media type, and that it be unpartitioned and smaller than two

gigabytes (so that the BIOS can boot it like a floppy disk).

If the drive letter of your USB device does not appear in WinImage drive list,

then it is an unsupported media type. In particular, most USB+IDE bridge

implementations are unrecognized, which means that a 2.5 inch hard disk in an

external USB enclosure is incompatible.

2.2 Creating the DBAN CD-R disc on Microsoft Windows

———————————————————–

If you do not have a floppy drive, or if you wish to use a CD drive or

DVD drive instead, then get the “CDR/CDRW version” from the DBAN home page,

which is an ISO file.

The DBAN FAQ has a tutorial for burning the DBAN ISO on Microsoft Windows.

If you already have burning software installed on your computer, then

double-click the ISO file to burn DBAN to blank CD-R or CD-RW media. Keep all

defaults for mode and emulation if you burn the ISO file with a product like

Nero Burning ROM.

If nothing happens when you double-click the DBAN ISO file, or if the “Open

With” dialog that asks you to “choose a program” starts, then you do not have

burning software installed that understands the ISO format.

Note that CD-ROM drives manufactured before 1998 often have problems reading

CD-R media, and will sometimes damage it. Try to use a DBAN floppy disk on

older computers.

Similarly, CD-RW media is often more problematic than CD-R media. Try to use

CD-R media with DBAN, especially on older computers.

2.3 Creating the DBAN floppy disk on Linux

——————————————-

# unzip dban-1.0.7_i386.exe

# dd if=dban-1.0.7_i386.ima of=/dev/floppy bs=1024

The DBAN EXE file is a regular zip file with the WinImage SFX module prepended.

InfoZip, which is bundled with most Linux distributions, can unpack the DBAN

EXE file. Ignore any offset warnings.

If /dev/floppy does not exist on your computer, then try /dev/fd0 or

/dev/floppy/0 instead. This command also works on BSD systems.

2.4 Creating the DBAN CD-R/CD-RW disc on Linux

———————————————–

# cdrecord dban-1.0.7_i386.iso

Ensure that the /etc/defaults/cdrecord file is properly configured for your

computer.

3.0 Using DBAN

—————

Boot the computer with the DBAN media like you would boot a DOS startup disk or

like you would reinstall an operating system. DBAN cannot be started from

within Microsoft Windows.

Doing this often requires changing the “boot order” of the computer so that

DBAN is started before the operating system on the hard disk is started.

Run the built-in BIOS setup program and put the floppy drive and the CD-ROM

drive first in the boot order. Do this by pushing <ESC>, <DEL>, <F1>, or <F2>

when you power-on the computer. The correct button and menu changes vary

between computers. Watch for a prompt when you power-on the computer or

consult the motherboard documentation.

Let’s say you choose a floppy disk. Insert the dban floppy and boot to it.

Dban has an automatic mode – type “autonuke” to enter into auto mode to completely erase your hard drive clean.

Now that autonuke is loading give it a minute or two to start. If it fails then reset your computer and at dban start up press f4 for troubleshooting hints.

Now that DBAN has started erasing your hard drive the speed will vary based on the size and speed of your hard drive.

If DBAN isn’t working out for you I highly recommend WipeDrive

3.1 Getting Help and Support

—————————–

First, read the frequently asked questions at:

dban.org/faq/

Second, search for an answer and then ask for help in the forum at:

sourceforge.net/forum/forum.php?forum_id=208932

Third, send email to support@dban.org and ensure that you have “DBAN” somewhere

in the subject line.

Include this information if you ask a question or make a support request:

1. The DBAN release that you are trying to use. (eg: dban-1.0.7)

2. The DBAN media that you are trying to use. (eg: floppy disk)

3. The computer manufacturer and model information. (eg: Dell OptiPlex 170L)

4. The exact message that you see. (eg: “DBAN failed with error 255.”)

5. Anything else that is unusual about your computer or pertinent to the

situation. (eg: “I am trying to hot swap my disks.”)

Contact us if you wish to purchase a support contract.

You are also welcome to call us directly if you have previously purchased a

DBAN enhancement or customization, or if you have made a donation or other

contribution to the DBAN project.

4.0 Configuring DBAN

———————

4.1 Automatic Wiping

———————

Enter “autonuke” at the boot prompt to automatically wipe all devices in the

computer without confirmation.

4.2 SYSLINUX.CFG

—————–

The “A:\SYSLINUX.CFG” file is the DBAN configuration file. You may change the

default behavior of DBAN by editing this file after you create the DBAN floppy

disk. The SYSLINUX.CFG is self-documented.

The CDR/CDRW version of DBAN must be remastered to change the SYSLINUX.CFG file

that is embedded in the ISO file. DBAN will fail if the ISO file is changed by

an editor like IsoBuster.

5.1 Free Updates

—————–

If you wish to be automatically notified of DBAN updates, then visit:

sourceforge.net/project/monitor_project.php?group_id=61951

A similar service is provided by:

freshmeat.net/subscribe/31200/

5.2 Contact Information

————————

General inquiries: dajhorn@dban.org

Help and support: support@dban.org

All e-mail messages must have “DBAN” in the subject line. Messages

Post your questions below and I’ll do my best to help you. First and foremost you’ll need to ensure you have the most recent version of DBAN. If you still can’t erase your hard drive with DBAN post your question below.

image courtesy of life.com

Related: You may also want to read my analysis of DBAN.

According to Gartner Dataquest statistics, in April 2002 the billionth PC (personal computer) was shipped. The second billion mark was supposedly reached in 2007. That’s about 1 billion computers in 5 years and I’m sure, with the price of the computer dropping, the number increases every single year. According to wikipedia “As of June 2008, the number of personal computers in use worldwide hit one billion, while another billion is expected to be reached by 2014″..

Usually, for every PC purchased there is a PC trashed, sold or donated. Before you throw away, sell or donate your PC you should keep this in mind:

1. People with bad intentions will pick up your PC off the road.
2. People with bad intentions will search the local thrift for donated PC’s.

What are these “bad intentions” and why should you care?

Almost every single file you delete on your PC can easily be recovered; deleting files isn’t removing them forever! Disk Format doesn’t remove data either! All kinds of data is on your PC, even if you delete it! Things like:

1. Passwords saved in Internet Explore or Firefox.
2. Cookies from sites you’ve visited that will allow anyone that picks up your PC to be able to use it as if they’re you, checking your email etc.
3. Files with personal information like tax returns, password list, family photos etc.

Now I hope you understand that just selling or donating your PC without properly preparing it is a bad mistake. Your PC sitting on the site of the road is a target for people with bad intentions.

Don’t worry I’m here to help you. Here’s a list of things to do before you sell, trash or donate your computer.

1. Take note of the software on this PC, do you have the installation and keys for this software? If not then do you need to keep the PC working until you can replace the software?
2. Make sure you have all your data (things like photos, documents) saved to an external drive, or maybe just burn it to CD.
3. Backup your web favorites in Internet Explore or Firefox.
4. Finally you’ll want to erase your computer with free software like dban. DBAN is suitable for use prior to disposal because it wipes over the disk so many times it makes recovery of the data which used to live on that disk virtually impossible to recover. Keep in mind with large sums of money anything is possible.

If you have the spare room you may also consider keeping the PC and its cables, keyboard, speakers and mouse. You never know when your computer may break or get a virus. I’d still clean the old PC before you put it into storage. Clean the PC means wipe it with DBAN and maybe reinstall the OS just so it’s ready to rock and roll should you need to call on old faithful.

But if you choose to donate here is a list of place you can unload that scrap of Pentium 2  gridiron:

• The National Center for Electronics Recycling
• The Electronics TakeBack Campaign
• Earth 911
• The EPA has a nice list of place to recycle / donate your computer

Of course the best places to sale a old PC is:

• Craigslist
• Yard Sell
• Ebay
• Local Paper

This is hands down the best PCI wifi card you can install in you computer.

Here’s why:

1. The antenna can be extended beyond the back (usually floor level) of the PC! OMG
2. Smoking HOT PRICE direct from Amazon $25 US WOW!
3. Retard proof 1,2,3 install with CD
4. Fully documented well thought out user manual

Lets review the Super G 802.11 Wireless PCI card by MSI.

CONS:

If you choose to let the MSI mange your available network it won’t remember the WPA-2 pass phrase (password) so you MUST LET Windows manage the WIFI connection. This is step two after you click “install” on the CD. SO no big deal really just choose “let Windows manage my connections”

PROS:

Adding to the bullets above.. the antenna is such a huge benefit.. If you have ever tired to install a WIFI card on your PC you know having the antenna at floor level just isn’t going to work. You’ll have poor signal and your connection will drop from time to time. Not with the Super G 802.11 Wireless PCI card by MSI
! The antenna can be extended and placed on the top of the desktop or mounted on your desk wall.

The Price is UNREAL!! I know you’re supposed to get what you pay for but in this case I paid for a great deal. The installation is smooth and the hardware works, period!

And speaking of installation.. my grandma could have installed this.. hell my wife could have installed this! Sorry Tina if you read this I’ll sleep on the couch this week.. and cook.. and clean.

The Wireless PCI card is professionally packaged and well documented. Nothing more does one need in life than hardware that work and software that’s documented.

Purchase the Super G 802.11 Wireless PCI card by MSI on Amazon. If you have any issues let me know and I’ll help you out.

Technical Details
IEEE 802.11b/g, Support MSI Turbo G Mode technology, 40% faster than the 11g performance, MSI Turbo G Mode is also required on the host/router side, like RG60G, to optimize the performance
IEEE802.11g (auto-fallback): OFDM: 54, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 9 and 6 Mbps IEEE 802.11b (auto-Fallback): CCK: 11, 5.5 Mbps DQPSK: 2 Mbps, DBPSK: 1 Mbps
IEEE 802.11b (DSSS), CCK@11, 5.5 Mbps, DQPSK@2Mbps, DBPSK@1Mbps. IEEE 802.11g (OFDM) BPSK@6, 9Mbps, QPSK@12, 18Mbps, 6-QAM@24, 36 Mbps, 64-QAM@48, 54 Mbps.
Range Up to 400m (outdoor operating range), Security 64/128-bit WEP, WPA, WPA2, TKIP,AES,802.1x, Operating System Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP/XP 64-bit
Product Description
The MSI PC60G Wireless 11g Turbo G PCI card offers higher data rate than standard 802.11g based on the MSI Turbo G Mode technology. Experiencing the high throughput of the MSI Turbo G Mode, MSI Turbo G series wireless products are highly recommended as your best choices, and are suggested to function with MSI Turbo G series wireless products to optimize performance. In addition, the PC60G comes equipped with the ability to help prevent access to sensitive data on the network to secure over the air transmissions with 64/128-bit WEP, WPA, and WPA2 encryption.

Okay thats not my first PC. But before you trash your expensive paper wieght you need to back it up first. You can back up with a cheap data back up software online or just burn it to a CD or DVD. After that dont’ forget to erase your hard drive or you could always melt it!

melt your hard drive

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hard drive – cd reader

Your average song will eat up 4 MB

If you have a 80 gig hard drive and used 70 gig for music that would leave you with enough space for roughly 14,000 songs.

So with hard drive space being so cheap that makes your hard drive a non issue.

I’d focus more on a quality CD burner with a fast read speed no less than 52x since you got all those CD’s to read.

So now that you have your fast burner and sizable hard drive you need to pick your PC.

Laptop hard drives cost way more than a PC. If you are only using this to store music then I say you purchase a used PC off ebay. If you want a new PC or laptop roll with a Dell. You can customize the CD reader/burner and hard drive size during your order and Dell offers quality at a good price.

Hope that helps