Write Zeros to Drive Using GWSCAN 5.02

Warning: This process destroys all data on the hard drive. Back up all data before proceeding.

  1. Insert Gateway System Restoration CD 20.5 or later into the CD/DVD drive.

  2. From the Start menu, click Turn off Computer. In the Turn off Computer dialog box, click Restart.

  3. During restart, from the Select an option menu, select 2. Boot from the CD-ROM, and then press the ENTER key.
    View Picture

  4. From the next Select an option menu, select 1. English, 2. French, or 3. Spanish, and then press ENTER.
    View Picture

  5. On the Gateway Utilities Main Menu screen, press the X key to select Exit to a Comand Prompt.
    View Picture

  6. At the command prompt, type: Gwscan.exe. Press ENTER.

  7. From the GWSCAN 5.02 - Data Lifeguard Diagnostics main menu, use the DOWN ARROW key to select Write Zeros to Drive, and then press the ENTER key.
    View Picture

  8. This option is no longer password-protected. Writing zeros to the drive is exactly that, zeroing out the drive. Press the F key for a full erase or press the Q key for a quick erase. Press the ESC key to return to the main menu.
    View Picture

  9. On the next screen is a warning that proceeding with this option will destroy data. Press the C key to continue or press any other key to return to the main menu.
    View Picture

  10. If you press C, it zeros out the hard drive. All data is erased.

  11. When complete, press ESC to return to the main menu.

    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.