Windows 7 - How to ensure that deleted hard disk data security.

What software or way to format the hard drive data, making it safe to delete data no recovery possible. Such as DBAN, but erased too long. I tested a 160G hard disk data erase, with six hours or so

A really strong magnet will probably do the job or you could
crack the case and burn the inners

Just kidding - you want to use it again right

That depends on your level of paranoia.

You could use Diskpart's "clean all" command from Windows or a Windows disk. That will write zeroes to all sectors of the drive and might take several hours, depending on the size of the drive.

Some will say that is enough and will make data unrecoverable by any normal means--possibly excluding the CIA or other heroic means.

If you don't feel that is enough, any other choice will take more time---to overwrite the drive multiple times. DBAN would do that, but you say it takes too much time.

So you have to decide how important the time factor is, compared to your desire for "no recovery possible". What if there is a one in one milllion chance for recovery? What about 1 in one thousand chance? Etc.

You can always try to physically destroy the drive. But maybe someone with enough time and effort could re-assemble it.

The reason it's taking so much time in the first place is because
it is making sure the job is done properly.

Here are some other options you may or may not want
to test:
http://www.heidi.ie/node/6
Hard Drive Copy and Secure Wipe Software - CopyWipe
Linux-kurser.dk: Secure Hard disk Eraser

LOL- the Linux eraser is floppy based I think, just thought of that. Sorry

Also sorry for the comment about the hammer and chisel approach

Thanks very much! I try.

No problem - good luck mate