E - Write Zeros to Drive - Quick Erase
Part Number: GWSCAN512GWSCAN 5.12

The Write Zeros to Drive Quick Erase option writes zeros to the drive, erasing the data in the first and last million sectors of the hard drive.

Note: Back up all data before proceeding.

  1. Boot to the GWSCAN media.

  2. In the GWSCAN menu, select option 1 to run GWSCAN.

    GWSCAN boot menu

  3. From the GWSCAN 5.12 - Data Lifeguard Diagnostics main menu, press the DOWN ARROW key to select Write Zeros to Drive, and then press ENTER.

    GWSCAN main menu

  4. Writing zeros to the drive completely erases all data on the hard drive. After reading the warnings, press the Q key for a quick erase.

    GWSCAN write zeros to drive quick

  5. The next screen displays a warning that proceeding with this option destroys data. To continue, press the C key.

    GWSCAN write zeroes to drive quick 1

  6. The first and last million sectors of data on the hard drive are erased.

    GWSCAN write zeros to drive quick 2

  7. When complete, to return to the main menu, press the ESC key.

    GWSCAN write zeroes to drive quick 3

  8. Additional options may be selected at this time, or to exit the program, press the DOWN ARROW key to select Quit.

  9. Restart the computer.

    Note: After writing zeroes, the hard drive is blank.

    • If this is your primary hard drive, you can now reload the operating system on it.
    • If this is a secondary hard drive, you must partition and format the drive for it to be accessible. Partitioning and formatting can be completed in Disk Management within Windows® XP or Windows Vista™; or you can use the Fdisk and Format commands within DOS.