How can I wipe my HD clean (format) without using software?

Question

Been doing some searching online, I've learned that even if you're able to format your entire HD by using DOS, your files can still be recovered. Is this true?

I know that when you empty the Recycle bin - that your files can still be recovered. But what about formatting the entire C drive, surely this must wipe everything clean...

I'm asking because I want to reinstall a fresh copy of Win XP. I also read about the software called WipeDrive. Does this really work?

Answer 1

wipe drive works and is fairly inexpensive

Answer 2

When you install a fresh copy of winXP you can format the drive good enough. Are you looking to hide something from the government? If not, the files will all be gone with a format and fresh install. If so..  they have recovery software ..  you might want to format it several times.

Answer 3

You cannot format your hard drive without using software.

No matter how you do it software is required, DOS based programs are software.

Depending on your reasons for wanting to format your hard drive, you may want to consider a low level format, especially if you are doing this to get rid of a virus.

There are many free programs out there that will do it just fine, but they are software. One is Active@Killdisk.

It works well, I use it all the time, and you can  download it here http://www.killdisk.com/downloadfree.htm

Answer 4

No. There are different type of format.

if you use quick format, the software will rebulid the NTFS table but didn't wipe away the data. ( NTFS table is a database use by system to let it know where is the actual file location )

However, if you use a complete format. The software will wipe away the data and rebulid the NTFS table.

Another way is to repartition your hard disk. It will ensure that the data cannot be recovered.