Deleting vs Wiping Data

The data on a computer can be erased by moving it to the Trash Bin, but that’s not the same as wiping it. A deleted file can be recovered through a file recovery program or special hardware. Formatting a hard drive before selling is good practice, but even that won’t be enough to wipe the data completely.

If you want to wipe your hard drive, be sure to do so before you proceed. If you don’t, you won’t be able to recover the data after the process is complete.

Wiping Your Data

To securely erase all data on your computer, follow these simple steps:

  1. Boot your computer into Safe Mode with Networking.
  2. Use the built-in tools in Windows or Mac OS X to delete any personal files you no longer need.
  3. Use third-party data destruction software to completely erase all of your data, including files and folders that were hidden or encrypted with encryption software. ..

Step

1: Do some prep work

  1. A bucket
  2. A vacuum cleaner
  3. A dust cloth
  4. A bucket of water
  5. A vacuum cleaner with a hose

Data Destruction Software

To securely erase all data on a Mac or Windows computer, you will need to download a data wiping program and use it to erase the hard drive. Some sanitization software can only wipe hard drives, but not SSDs (solid state drives). You should also look for software that can work on bootable drives like flash drives if you’re wiping the entire computer. ..

  1. Windows 10 is the best option for users who want a fast, reliable operating system with lots of features.
  2. Windows 8.1 is a good option for users who want an intuitive operating system that’s easy to use.
  3. Windows 7 is a good option for users who want an affordable, reliable operating system that’s been around for a long time. ..

The MiniTool Partition Wizard is a free program that allows you to wipe a disk and give you several options, including a super secure DOD option.

Disk wipes are a common practice in the tech world, and one that can be dangerous if not done correctly. Disk wipes use algorithms to securely erase data on a computer, making them an ideal tool for protecting your privacy.

DBAN is a software that many websites are going to be suggesting. It’s also worth trying if you’re a spy or government agent.

If you’re a PC user, we have the following recommendations:

Active@ KillDisk for Mac is a free app that allows users to wipe a drive using the One Pass Zeros data wiping standard. If users need more secure methods, such as the DoD option, they will have to purchase the app. ..

For OS X users, you should try to use the built-in Disk Utility to securely erase your Mac hard drive. We talk about that down below in Step 2a.

Data Backup

Before you wipe your hard drive, back up any important files. You can copy-paste all your data to a temporary location outside of the drive you’re wiping. ..

  1. Back up your files to the cloud. This is the most popular option, and it’s free to use. You can find a list of cloud-based backup services here.
  2. Back up your files to a USB drive. This is a more traditional option, and it’s also free to use. You can find a list of USB drive-based backup services here.
  3. Back up your files to an external hard drive. This is the most advanced option, and it’s also expensive but it offers the best security features. You can find an external hard drive-based backup service here.

Product Information

Make sure you have all your product information on hand. Make sure you secure product keys for Windows, for example. You will need those if you’ll be reinstalling software on another machine down the line.

Bootable Disk

You will need a dedicated USB drive for your data destruction software. You won’t be able to run an application from your computer if you’re wiping it clean. That’s why you need to save the program on an external drive. Saving it on a CD would also work.

ISO files are a common way to store and protect sanitization programs. To continue using the sanitization program, you must first burn an ISO file to a CD or flash drive.

Step 2: Do a Windows Reset First

In Windows Settings, select Update and Recovery. In the Reset This PC dialog, click Get Started.

You will be asked to choose an option. You can either keep all your files or remove everything. Click Remove Everything.

Windows 10 is deleting all your files and settings, as well as resetting your computer. You can try our step-by-step guide to fix any issues if you run into them.

I would like to remove all files from my hard drive, but also clean the drives.

Step 2a: Use Disk Utility on a Mac

To wipe your Mac hard drive, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
  2. In the System Preferences window, click the Hard Drive tab.
  3. In the Hard Drive section, click the wipe button to erase all data on your hard drive.
  4. Click OK to close System Preferences and return to your computer.

To restart your Mac:

  1. Shut down your Mac.
  2. Press the CMD and R keys on your keyboard at the same time.
  3. While holding down the keys, turn your Mac back on. ..

Apple logo and MacOS Utilities screen. Let go and wait till you see the loading screen.

In Disk Utility, select the disk you want to erase. Click Erase.

If you’re erasing the internal SSD, you’ll need to choose the format (normally APFS or Mac OS Extended Journaled) and scheme (almost always GUID Partition Map).

If you want to erase any data on your computer, you can do so by clicking on the Security Options button.

The slider below allows you to choose between the Fastest and Most Secure methods for wiping your data. The Fastest method will take less time, but will not securely wipe the data. The Most Secure method will securely wipe the data and take much longer.

Step 3: Run the Data Wiping Program

The instructions for most of the programs that are available online are easy to follow and you will likely need to reboot your computer to run them. Insert the CD or flash drive and then restart your PC. The data destruction software should be available once your computer has restarted.

If you’re having trouble loading the program, you may need to make some changes in your BIOS settings. ..

To access BIOS, go to Windows Settings > Update and Security > Recovery. Under Advanced Startup, click Restart Now.

On the next screen, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Select UEFI Settings. This will open BIOS after the system reboots. ..

The BIOS interface will vary depending on what motherboard you use. However, all BIOS will allow you to change the boot order. Edit the order to prioritize CD/DVD or removable devices. This will let your computer run the content of your CD or flash drive respectively.

Step 4: Physically Wipe the Hard Drive (optional)

If you don’t plan on using the hard drive again, you should consider physically wiping it. There are a few ways to do this, but one option is to use a rare earth metal. Others might dismantle the drive by screwing it apart before disposing of the entire thing. ..