9 Free Data Destruction Software Programs
Completely Free Disk Wipe and Hard Drive Eraser Software Utilities
By Tim Fisher
Data destruction
software, sometimes called data sanitization software, disk wipe
software, or hard drive eraser software, is a software-based method of completely erasing the data from a hard drive.
Data destruction software is just one of several ways to completely erase a hard drive.
When you delete files and then empty the Recycle Bin, you don't actually erase the information, you just delete the reference to it so the operating system can't find it. All the data is still there and, unless it's overwritten, can be easily recovered using file recovery software.
Data destruction software, however, truly does erase the data. Each data destruction program utilizes one or more data sanitization methods that can permanently overwrite the information on the drive.
If you need to remove all traces of a virus or you're planning on recycling or disposing of your hard drive, wiping your hard drive using data destruction software is the best way to protect yourself.
Below is a list of the best, completely free data destructionsoftware programs available today:
Data destruction software is just one of several ways to completely erase a hard drive.
When you delete files and then empty the Recycle Bin, you don't actually erase the information, you just delete the reference to it so the operating system can't find it. All the data is still there and, unless it's overwritten, can be easily recovered using file recovery software.
Data destruction software, however, truly does erase the data. Each data destruction program utilizes one or more data sanitization methods that can permanently overwrite the information on the drive.
If you need to remove all traces of a virus or you're planning on recycling or disposing of your hard drive, wiping your hard drive using data destruction software is the best way to protect yourself.
Below is a list of the best, completely free data destruction
1. DBAN (Darik's Boot and Nuke)
Darik's Boot And Nuke, usually referred to as DBAN, is the best free data destruction software available.
Data Sanitization Methods: DoD 5220.22-M, RCMP TSSIT OPS-II, Gutmann, Random Data, Write Zero
DBAN is freely available in a ready-to-go ISO format so all you need to do is burn it to a CD and boot to it. The DBAN program's menu interface is also very easy to use.
DBAN is an open source project.
Data Sanitization Methods: DoD 5220.22-M, RCMP TSSIT OPS-II, Gutmann, Random Data, Write Zero
DBAN is freely available in a ready-to-go ISO format so all you need to do is burn it to a CD and boot to it. The DBAN program's menu interface is also very easy to use.
DBAN is an open source project.
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2. Format Command With Write Zero Option
Beginning in Windows Vista, the format command was granted the ability to write zeros during the format, giving the command basic data destruction abilities.
Data Sanitization Methods: Write Zero
Since all Windows 7 and Windows Vista users already have the format command at their disposal, this is a quick and effective data destruction method. Granted, you won't be able to satisfy some stringent data sanitization standards, but if that's not a concern then this option is perfect.
Note: The instructions I link to here explain how to use the format command either as a data destruction tool from a bootable disc, enabling you to completely erase the primary drive, or as a way to erase any other drive from Command Prompt from within Windows.
Important: The format command included with Windows XP and prior operating systems does not support this option. However, there is a way to use this method on a computer with Windows XP if you have access to another computer with Windows 7.
Data Sanitization Methods: Write Zero
Since all Windows 7 and Windows Vista users already have the format command at their disposal, this is a quick and effective data destruction method. Granted, you won't be able to satisfy some stringent data sanitization standards, but if that's not a concern then this option is perfect.
Note: The instructions I link to here explain how to use the format command either as a data destruction tool from a bootable disc, enabling you to completely erase the primary drive, or as a way to erase any other drive from Command Prompt from within Windows.
Important: The format command included with Windows XP and prior operating systems does not support this option. However, there is a way to use this method on a computer with Windows XP if you have access to another computer with Windows 7.
3. HDDErase
HDDErase is probably the best Secure Erase based data destruction software available.
Data Sanitization Methods: Secure Erase
The easiest way to use HDDErase is from the bootable ISO image included with the download. You can also create any boot media you want (floppy, disc, flash drive, etc.) and copy the HDDERASE.EXE file to it.
The HDDerase program was created by researchers at the Center for Magnetic Recording Research (CMMR) at the University of California, San Diego, supported by a grant from the National Security Agency.
Important: CMMR, the University of California, nor the National Security Agency provide any kind of support for HDDErase but the information in the HDDEraseReadMe.txt file that accompanies the download should answer most questions you might have.
Data Sanitization Methods: Secure Erase
The easiest way to use HDDErase is from the bootable ISO image included with the download. You can also create any boot media you want (floppy, disc, flash drive, etc.) and copy the HDDERASE.EXE file to it.
The HDDerase program was created by researchers at the Center for Magnetic Recording Research (CMMR) at the University of California, San Diego, supported by a grant from the National Security Agency.
Important: CMMR, the University of California, nor the National Security Agency provide any kind of support for HDDErase but the information in the HDDEraseReadMe.txt file that accompanies the download should answer most questions you might have.
4. MHDD
MHDD is another data destruction tool that utilizes Secure Erase.
The thing I like best about MHDD is the variety of easy-to-use forms that it's downloadable in. You can download an ISO file for disc booting, a floppy image, the program itself ready for your own boot disk, and more.
Data Sanitization Methods: Secure Erase
There is plenty of documentation, a FAQ, and even a forum for the MHDD data destruction program, all accessible from their download page.
Note: MHDD only utilizes the Secure Erase method for data destruction if you use the FASTERASE option available in the program.
The thing I like best about MHDD is the variety of easy-to-use forms that it's downloadable in. You can download an ISO file for disc booting, a floppy image, the program itself ready for your own boot disk, and more.
Data Sanitization Methods: Secure Erase
There is plenty of documentation, a FAQ, and even a forum for the MHDD data destruction program, all accessible from their download page.
Note: MHDD only utilizes the Secure Erase method for data destruction if you use the FASTERASE option available in the program.
5. Freeraser
Freeraser, very much unlike some of the other programs
on this list, is a full-fledged Windows application, complete with a
setup wizard and Start Menu icons. Freeraser doesn't wipe an entire
drive like DBAN, HDDErase, and others do but it should be the program of
choice if you want to completely erase individual files and folders
from Windows.
Data Sanitization Methods: DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Random Data
I like Freeraser so much because it's incredibly easy to use. Freeraser places a Recycle Bin-like icon on your desktop that you can use like a shredder. Just drag a file or group of files to the bin and they'll be forever erased from your computer.
Important: Because Freeraser runs from within Windows, you can't use the software to erase the C drive, assuming that's the drive you have Windows installed on. If you want to completely erase the C drive, you'll have to use a bootable data destruction software program from this list. See How To Format C for other options as well.
Data Sanitization Methods: DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Random Data
I like Freeraser so much because it's incredibly easy to use. Freeraser places a Recycle Bin-like icon on your desktop that you can use like a shredder. Just drag a file or group of files to the bin and they'll be forever erased from your computer.
Important: Because Freeraser runs from within Windows, you can't use the software to erase the C drive, assuming that's the drive you have Windows installed on. If you want to completely erase the C drive, you'll have to use a bootable data destruction software program from this list. See How To Format C for other options as well.
6. Eraser
Eraser
works much like Freeraser listed above in that it is best used to
permanently erase individual files and folders. Eraser isn't quite as
easy to use as Freeraser but it's still a very well designed data
destruction program.
Data Sanitization Methods: DoD 5220.22-M, AFSSI-5020, AR 380-19, RCMP TSSIT OPS-II, HMG IS5, VSITR, GOST R 50739-95, Gutmann, Schneier, Random Data
As far as advanced options go, Eraser wins the data destruction competition hands down. With Eraser, you can schedule data destruction with all the precision you'd expect with any scheduling tool.
Eraser works in Windows 7, Vista, and XP. Eraser also works on Windows Server 2008 R2, 2008, and 2003.
Important: Because Eraser runs from within Windows, you can not use the program to erase the drive that Windows runs on, usually C. Use a bootable data destruction software program from this list or see How To Format C for other options.
Data Sanitization Methods: DoD 5220.22-M, AFSSI-5020, AR 380-19, RCMP TSSIT OPS-II, HMG IS5, VSITR, GOST R 50739-95, Gutmann, Schneier, Random Data
As far as advanced options go, Eraser wins the data destruction competition hands down. With Eraser, you can schedule data destruction with all the precision you'd expect with any scheduling tool.
Eraser works in Windows 7, Vista, and XP. Eraser also works on Windows Server 2008 R2, 2008, and 2003.
Important: Because Eraser runs from within Windows, you can not use the program to erase the drive that Windows runs on, usually C. Use a bootable data destruction software program from this list or see How To Format C for other options.
7. SDelete
SDelete,
like Eraser, is a different kind of data destruction software since it
can be used to erase specific files or directories.
SDelete, short for Secure Delete, is a command-line based data destruction tool and can be run from the Command Prompt in Windows 7, Vista, or XP.
Data Sanitization Methods: DoD 5220.22-M
Important: Like Eraser, SDelete runs from within Windows so you can not use the program to erase the C drive. Use another data destruction software program that you can boot to or see How To Format C for some other ideas.
Note: There are several drawbacks to using SDelete and the information on their download page has a fair discussion of those issues. If you need a full-drive data destruction program then Sdelete isn't a good choice, but it could be very useful in specific situations.
SDelete is part of the Sysinternals Suite of free system utilities available from Microsoft. SDelete does not utilize Secure Erase even though its name might lead you to think otherwise.
SDelete, short for Secure Delete, is a command-line based data destruction tool and can be run from the Command Prompt in Windows 7, Vista, or XP.
Data Sanitization Methods: DoD 5220.22-M
Important: Like Eraser, SDelete runs from within Windows so you can not use the program to erase the C drive. Use another data destruction software program that you can boot to or see How To Format C for some other ideas.
Note: There are several drawbacks to using SDelete and the information on their download page has a fair discussion of those issues. If you need a full-drive data destruction program then Sdelete isn't a good choice, but it could be very useful in specific situations.
SDelete is part of the Sysinternals Suite of free system utilities available from Microsoft. SDelete does not utilize Secure Erase even though its name might lead you to think otherwise.
8. KillDisk
Active KillDisk is a freeware, scaled-down version of the KillDisk Pro data destruction tool.
Data Sanitization Methods: Write Zero
Like other bootable data destruction software, you can download a simple ISO file for burning to disc. Just visit the Active KillDisk website and click Download Bootable ISO Image of Active@ KillDisk to burn CD link to download the zipped ISO file.
The reason I ranked KillDisk so low is that the free version only supports the write zero method of data destruction and only one pass at that. You could of course purchase KillDisk Pro but you'll get similar features in some of the free programs listed above.
Data Sanitization Methods: Write Zero
Like other bootable data destruction software, you can download a simple ISO file for burning to disc. Just visit the Active KillDisk website and click Download Bootable ISO Image of Active@ KillDisk to burn CD link to download the zipped ISO file.
The reason I ranked KillDisk so low is that the free version only supports the write zero method of data destruction and only one pass at that. You could of course purchase KillDisk Pro but you'll get similar features in some of the free programs listed above.
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9. hdparm
hdparm
is a command line based tool that can be used, among other things, to
issue a Secure Erase firmware command to a hard drive.
Data Sanitization Methods: Secure Erase
Using hdparm as a data destruction software program is risky and, in my opinion, unnecessary with a great Secure Erase based data destruction tool like HDDErase, listed above. The only reason I've included the hdparm method of issuing a Secure Erase command is because I want to have a comprehensive list of options available.
I don't recommend that you use hdparm unless you're very familiar with command line tools. Misuse of this tool could cause your hard drive to become unusable.
Important: This hdparm version runs from within Windows so you can't use it to erase the drive Windows is installed on. If that's what you want to do, you'll have to use a bootable data destruction software program instead.
Data Sanitization Methods: Secure Erase
Using hdparm as a data destruction software program is risky and, in my opinion, unnecessary with a great Secure Erase based data destruction tool like HDDErase, listed above. The only reason I've included the hdparm method of issuing a Secure Erase command is because I want to have a comprehensive list of options available.
I don't recommend that you use hdparm unless you're very familiar with command line tools. Misuse of this tool could cause your hard drive to become unusable.
Important: This hdparm version runs from within Windows so you can't use it to erase the drive Windows is installed on. If that's what you want to do, you'll have to use a bootable data destruction software program instead.
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