Having sensitive data stored on your local storage space can be a security threat to the individual owners and companies. To protect your data and its privacy, you can securely erase the hard drives. There are many reasons why you might want to erase a hard disk drive. You could be selling the old computer system to get a new PC with more advanced functionality, gifting it to a loved one, or just want to clean up the hard drive and restoring it to its factory setting. Erasing a hard disk drive enables users to start afresh without having to worry about the previous data already stored on the computer.
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Why Erase Hard Disk Drive
Many computer owners and users don’t know why they need to wipe off data from a drive and for those who might have a genuine reason, they may equally be confused as to how to go about it. However, there are many reasons why you need to delete data off a hard drive and it is important to know the most effective method.
The most common reason why computer owners and users would want to erase a hard drive is when the PC is having a new owner. No one wants to leave sensitive data in the hands of a stranger or loved one – you never know how much damage they might cause with it. Even if you are giving it out to a trusted individual, you never know on whose hand the PC might end up.
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How to Erase a Drive
If you are selling or giving away your new PC, then erasing your local storage space is essential to prevent identity theft. It is however important to note that deleting data from your computer doesn’t mean it is deleted permanently. This method only keeps the data away from physical access but it can still be recovered from the hard drive. Therefore to prevent identity theft and assured that no trace of information is left on the hard disk drive, it is recommended that you take drastic measures to get rid of data from the hard drive.
Of course, not everyone knows how to erase a hard disk drive. To help you out, follow these steps
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Backup Data
Erasing data from a drive can take longer than expected. Before starting the process, it is important that you first back up relevant data. This is because once you’ve completely erased the data on the drive it is irrecoverable. Remember, a hard drive contains multiple drives.
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Download Data Destruction Program
Erasing data comes in different ways. One of the most recommended options is to format the computer. Formatting a computer clears out everything there is on the hard drive, leaving you with no traces of it. However, formatting a computer can be a stressful affair for beginners due to the different kinds of command lines to input to complete the process.
However, there is a much simpler method and that is downloading a data destruction program. This software offers an easy way of erasing a hard disk drive. There are lots of data destruction programs online. While some are free others accept an annual fee. Remember, paid data destruction software packages will always have more advanced features than the free ones.
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Follow Data Destruction Program Instruction
Once you’ve installed the program, be sure to follow the program’s instruction as per the deletion process. Each data destruction program has its own unique technique for wiping data. Hence it is important that you research how effective a particular program is before settling for it. Also, check the effectiveness of the recommended method. Will it completely wipe off your data?
Good thing is once you’ve wiped the hard drive, you can rest assured that all the data on your computer is gone for good. Now, you can do whatever you need to do. By erasing a driver, you no longer have to worry about having unauthorized personnel retrieving anything from your computer.