Format SSD/Reinstall W7

Cavallino · 20 Apr 2011 at 15:58

As title. I will be reinstalling W7 on my SSD. Was wondering whats the best way to erase the SSD content? Or should I just simply delete the partition and format via the W7 installation software?

Philtor · 20 Apr 2011 at 16:00

Which SSD do you have? It's best to do a secure erase before reinstalling but this may differ depending on your SSD model.

Cavallino · 20 Apr 2011 at 16:04

Ah sorry. Good point.

OCZ Vertex 2E 120GB.

Im not too worried about security since I am using the drive again, but does "secure erase" literally zero out the memory or something?
(Also I presume I have to download some bootable utility from OCZ to secure erase? Since this drive is my boot drive).
Thanks

Philtor · 20 Apr 2011 at 16:07

Yeah a secure erase will completely wipe the SSD and recover the drive's performance before you do a clean install again. Have a read here

Cavallino · 20 Apr 2011 at 16:23

Perfect. Thanks!
Is HDDForce a generic program for all Sandforce controllers or was it developed specifically by OCZ?

Philtor · 21 Apr 2011 at 08:23

You mean HDD Erase? It wasn't developed by OCZ but they discovered it was able to reset their Sandforce SSD's back to factory condition. You can also do a secure erase with Parted magic or within the OCZ Toolbox but I think HDD Erase is the most commonly used as the Toolbox can't erase an active boot drive.