Windows 7: Wipe HDD with "diskpart >> clean all"

Hi everyone,

I was triying to wipe my HDD with diskpart >> clean all to overcome "Windows could not configure one or more system components" issue which I post to technet forum afew days ago.

But I have some concerns about wiping process.

Most of the notebooks are being sold with hidden partition which contains OEM Windows 7 and required driver files for a clean systems recovery. That partition made hidden by the manufacturers as factory defaults.

I was wondering if diskpart can handle with this hidden partition?

If not, that won't be a actual wiping the HDD that may reason of the issue mentioned in the link.

Any comment would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Torehan

My understanding is that diskpart "clean all" command does wipe hidden partitions.

I think you can also delete hidden partitions specifically. Use the diskpart "detail disk" command to obtain detailed information about the current in-focus disk. That will tell you if the partition is hidden. Then select that partition and type in “delete partition override”.

Thank you for your comment.
Well, yes after using "detail disk", it can be seen there is no hidden partition. That means this is not a possible reason previously referenced issue.

That may be a completely different topic but my aim was to talk about issue that referenced in my first post.

What could be the reason? Why installation of 64bit couldn't be completed whereas 32bit could?

If you check this tutorial, you will see the the "clean all" command does indeed wipe the drive completely, including any hidden OEM partitions.

Disk - Clean and Clean All with Diskpart Command

I can't comment on your Technet thread, because the link appears to be dead.

Sorry for that, link fixed.

Cheers.

You say the 32-bit version installs OK.

I suppose there is a possibility there is a problem with the 64-bit DVD.

Is there any chance you can borrow a 64-bit disk from a friend and try that?

I have allready tried that. I have two different Windows 7 Ultimate DVD and both ends up with the same problem.

I think the clue for the reason of the problem is in the differences between 32bit and 64bit confugration process.

What are the system components that are being mentioned in the error?

The value of Diskpart "Clean" command for install failures is to wipe the boot sector of possibly corrupt or conflicting code blocking install. It isn't necessary to run "Clean all" which is more for overwriting data securely and does no more than "Clean" for this critical boot sector purpose.

"Clean" will destroy everything on the HD so that it is recoverable only by Data REcovery software, "Clean all" not even that.

Where did you get Windows 7? You said you've tried two disks - what is their source?

Try writing a verified ISO to flash stick using Universal USB Installer with Windows 7 in dropdown, boot under USB, Removable or HD's in one-time BIOS Boot Menu.

I would find a HD which can afford to be wiped and try "Clean" command with your 64 bit install problem.

If these fail we can continue troubleshooting your issue here.

Disks are two different legal copies of Windows 7 Ultimate DVD which one is belonged to me the other is belong to my father.

What do you mean a verified iso? Is it OK if I would create iso image of my DVD with iso maker program e.g Magic Iso ?

Yes you can use that or ImgBurn to extract ISO from DVD.

Or install UltraISO trial version, on Disk Tab Select Open DVD, on Bootable tab select Write Disk Image, Format stick, Write. Boot under USB, Removable, or HD's.