I recently attempted to wipe my 4TB hard drive using the `diskpart clean all` command in CMD. However, it took over a day and didn't provide a way to check the progress. During the process, my computer became unresponsive, and I had to restart, which interrupted the wipe. Since I can't resume it from where it left off, I'm considering another method.
My new plan is to format the drive first to create free space, then write random data onto the disk using a Python script I wrote. It'll create a large bin file with random data, allowing me to check the progress simply by seeing the size of the file. If the program stops for any reason, I can resume writing the data until there's no free space left, indicating the wipe is complete.
Currently, my program is writing at over 100 MB/s, which is significantly faster than the previous method I used. The bin file is already at 700GB. I'd love some honest feedback—will this method be sufficient to securely wipe my drive? Am I overlooking anything? Would this suffice as a basic equivalent to other wiping software? I've included my Python code for reference:
import os
script_dir = os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__))
path = os.path.join(script_dir, "wipe.bin")
chunk_size = 1024 * 1024
with open(path, "ab") as f:
while True:
try:
f.write(os.urandom(chunk_size))
f.flush()
os.fsync(f.fileno())
except OSError:
break
5 Answers
While the script method can work, it doesn’t follow wiping standards, and it won't give you a certificate that proves it's sanitized. If you’re following specific regulations, definitely go for an established tool that can provide that verification.
Your approach with the Python script can do the job, especially if it truly overwrites every sector. However, for HDDs, writing random data once may not hit some bad sectors. I'd recommend using dedicated software for peace of mind, as it also has built-in checks for things like reallocated sectors.
Thanks for the advice! I'm just trying to be efficient, but I do want to ensure the data is irretrievable.
Using something like DBAN is typically recommended for wiping drives because it performs multiple passes. However, your method sounds fine for basic use on an HDD; just keep in mind it might not cover all sectors thoroughly. If you're serious about security, consider a tool designed for the job.
Exactly! The method should work but isn’t as reliable as specialized software. Just be mindful of potential issues.
If you're worried about potential viruses, just overwriting the disk with random data might not fully suffice. Consider additional measures such as a quick format followed by a full encryption cycle.
For thoroughness, overwriting multiple times is often suggested, especially for older drives. But truthfully, if someone doesn’t have sophisticated recovery methods, a single overwrite may be sufficient. Just take care of any important data before proceeding!
Great point! Certification can be crucial depending on your use case.