secure erase a samsung ssd before clean install ?

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  1. Posts : 365
    Windows 10 Pro - 64 bit
       #1

    secure erase a samsung ssd before clean install ?


    Hello : Is it good practice to secure erase a samsung ssd before a clean install of win 7 ? Or just let Windows do its thing ?
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  2. Posts : 8,135
    Windows 10 64 bit
       #2

    You will have the option during the Windows install to reformat the hard drive. That option will erase any previous data on the drive.

    But, a new drive doesn't have to be "erased".
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  3. Posts : 365
    Windows 10 Pro - 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    fireberd said:
    You will have the option during the Windows install to reformat the hard drive. That option will erase any previous data on the drive.

    But, a new drive doesn't have to be "erased".
    It is not a new drive , had it for around 2 years now ..
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  4. Posts : 8,135
    Windows 10 64 bit
       #4

    During the Windows 7 install it will give you the option to format the hard drive. Formatting will remove everything.

    See this procedure from the forum for installing
    Clean Install Windows 7
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  5. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #5

    Formatting a drive does not wipe all data from a drive.
    That being said, a format for most will be all that is needed.

    Here are a couple to tutorial that give lots of good information on Clean Install and Clean All install.

    Here is one by Kari, don't let the name of the tutorial fool you.

    Windows 7 Installation - Prepare PC to be Sold

    Here is a tutorial by Brink:


    Disk - Clean and Clean All with Diskpart Command
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  6. Posts : 2,497
    Windows 7 Pro 64 bit
       #6

    As the name implies a secure erase is a security measure. This prevents recovery of data the drive may have previously contained. Unless you intend to sell or dispose of the drive this is a waste of time and will result in a large number of unnecessary writes. Not that the latter is a serious problem.
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  7. Posts : 8,135
    Windows 10 64 bit
       #7

    This is an SSD. I wouldn't do the "security erase". As I noted, just let Windows reformat the hard drive during the install procedure.
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  8. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #8

    I agree a Windows installation format is all a normal user will need.

    I just wanted Total to understand that it is not a complete wipe of all data on the drive whether it's a ssd or hard drive.

    Knowing the difference between a Clean and a Clean All could be important to many.

    I personally only use format on a drive that has only been in my control but if its a drive I got from some one or a business I do a wipe or Clean All.

    The old hard drives I did give away got a Wipe because I didn't want anything but 1's and 0's left on the hard drives from start to finish. If by chance the hard drive can't live through a complete wipe I just throw it away after destroying it.
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  9. Posts : 365
    Windows 10 Pro - 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #9

    thanks people , appreciated for the information . I read on the net somewhere that it would make the drive as fast as when it left the factory by doing a secure erase . Guess you can't believe everything .


    Thanks again ..
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  10. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #10

    Did you read the tutorials I posted? They will give you a better understanding.
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