Formatting an SSD with an existing O/S

rikky

rikky

rikky

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I have upgraded my SSD to a new larger SSD and I did a fresh install of Windows on the new drive which leaves me with the old drive which I want to sell on ...

So what is the best way to format the old drive as it has a 100MB partition with "System Reserved" on it?? Can I merge this into the main partition or should I just delete it??

Thoughts on the best way to proceed??
 
Delete all the partitions, then create 1 single partition.

Then use a hard wiping program to overwrite the disc.

CCleaner has this option called Secure file deletion, 1 pass should be ok for a SSD, but if you want to be OTT 3 passes should be more than enough.
 
Do NOT use ccleaner or anything like that on an SSD, as it will write across the whole of of the SSD using up its finite write capability - You need a programme that will invoke the ATA secure erase capability without writing across the entire SSD - with an SSD ATA secure erase means that the SSD forgets, permanently, what is on the SSD - so that the data cannot subsequently be recovered. Check the link out below or do a search on gparted and ssd secure erase

http://techgage.com/article/securely-erasing-your-ssd-with-linux-a-how-to/
 
that said, a quick clean with CCleaner should be enough to sell the disc on without using a lot if its write capacity up - be interesting to see if anyone else has a better approach?
 
Baldrick1001 said:
Do NOT use ccleaner or anything like that on an SSD, as it will write across the whole of of the SSD using up its finite write capability - You need a programme that will invoke the ATA secure erase capability without writing across the entire SSD - with an SSD ATA secure erase means that the SSD forgets, permanently, what is on the SSD - so that the data cannot subsequently be recovered. Check the link out below or do a search on gparted and ssd secure erase

http://techgage.com/article/securely-erasing-your-ssd-with-linux-a-how-to/
Click to expand...

CCleaner is easier and the most SSD should be able to have at least 10,000 writes per sector. 1 write won't be a problem.

Secure erase is faster and will wipe damages sectors, but I think it will have the same wear effect in the fact it's resetting all the sectors.

So if you are really concerned secure erase is the better option if you can be bothered. :) Both options are fine for most people.

Note there are faster ways to secure erase if the vendor has an app like OCZ toolbox will do this for OCZ drives.
 
Do consider buying a USB to SATA adaptor, that'll keep conflicts away when both your current and the old SSD are connected (and do connect it AFTER you've booted up).

Hope that helps :)
 
bikerchris said:
Do consider buying a USB to SATA adaptor, that'll keep conflicts away when both your current and the old SSD are connected (and do connect it AFTER you've booted up).

Hope that helps :)
Click to expand...

Thanks I have the older SSD connected via my hotswap bay on my 650D case so I shouldn't have any conflicts.:)
 
Ok guys thanks for all the info, much appreciated!!

I have formatted the drive via windows and have downloaded CCleaner - I have chosen to wipe the entire drive but will a simple overwrite (1 pass) be OK, or should I go for more passes??
 
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