How to Data Wipe a PC (Using Parted Magic)
This article will explain how to data wipe a pc using Parted Magic.
For related policy information, please visit the OBFS page on how to Dispose of Unneeded Equipment.
Note: We encourage you to use the Dell BIOS option - Data Wipe to wipe computers purchased after November 2015. However, you can use the following instructions on all Dell computers no matter the age.
Booting from the Parted Magic Bootable USB
You must first create a Bootable USB using this article - https://answers.uillinois.edu/extension/internal/116458
Insert the Bootable USB created from this KB article into the computer which you wish to Data wipe and ensure that it is powered down. Then power it up and press [F12] when you see the Dell Logo to get to the Boot Menu.
If you wish to watch a video of the following instructions click here.
If using a computer manufactured after 2012, the Boot Mode should be set to UEFI and Secure Boot should be On (if not these settings can be amended in the UEFI BIOS setup). If using a computer older than 2011 you will just have a Legacy BIOS and the screen will not mention UEFI.
Select the [↓] until you highlight your Bootable USB and press [Enter].
Select Default Settings 64 (Runs from RAM):
You will see some information display as Parted Magic Loads:
Next, if you are prompted to select your Time Zone you can either select it and select OK or close this dialogue:
In this guide, we are interested only in Erase Disk.
Double-click it to launch it:
Secure Erase / Sanitize / NVMe Secure Erase
Parted Magic has different Data Wipe Routines.
These are:
- "Secure Erase" generally is used with older mechanical Hard Drives (HDDs) which are either in the 3.5 " or 2.5 " format as well as Hybrid Solid State Drives (HSSDs). This routine will manually write zeros to each segment on these drive types and is time-consuming.
- "Sanitize" is the method designed for wiping 2.5 " Solid State Drives. If using a 2.5 " SSD such as the Crucial M500, BX or MX series or the Samsung 830, 840, 850 and 860 series or the WD Blue SSD and WD Green SSD, Sanitize should be used in preference to Secure Erase. This routine will remove the mapping routine and zero all data of the SSD.
- Early generations of SSDs manufactured before 2014 such as the Crucial M4, V4 or Samsung 470 built before Sanitize was created and as a result, Sanitize unfortunately cannot be used on them. Secure Erase will remove the mapping scheme of the SSD and all data on the SSD will remain however it will be scrambled and extremely difficult to decipher without the mapping routine.
- "M.2 Secure Erase" will remove the mapping routine and all data from the SSD. The M.2 interface is newer and all M.2 SSDs support the NVMe Secure Erase.
Important: If unsure of your drive type and the features it supports. See if your drive populates under "M.2 Secure Erase" first and if not check "Sanitize" and if not check "Secure Erase"
Option 1: NVMe Secure Erase - NVM Express M.2
If you have a NVMe SSD it should display in the NVMe Secure Erase - NVM Express M.2 menu. If it does not appear here, try Option 2: Sanitize - ATA Devices (SATA/mSATA SSD).
Check your NVMe SSD and Verify then select Continue:
You will be presented with a confirmation dialogue.
Check, I allow this utility to erase the listed device(s) and then select Start Erase:
Parted Magic will then Secure Erase (zero the data and zero the mapping table) the NVMe SSD:
It will then verify that the operation has been successful:
You can then view the log:
Close the log when finished:
Turning off Computer after using Parted Magic
Option 2: Sanitize - ATA Devices (SATA/mSATA SSD)
If using the SATA/mSATA SSD drives, your hard drive will display under the Sanitize - ATA Devices menu. If it does not you will need to use Option 3: SSD Secure Erase - ATA Devices instead.
Check your SATA/mSATA SSD and verify then select Continue:
You will be presented with a confirmation dialogue.
Check, I allow this utility to erase the listed device(s) and then select Start Erase:
Parted Magic will then Sanitize (zero the data and zero the mapping table) the SATA/mSATA SSD:
It will then verify that the operation has been successful:
You can then view the log:
Close the log when finished:
Turning off Computer after using Parted Magic
Option 3: SSD Secure Erase - ATA Devices (HDD/HSSD/Older than 2012)
If using the SATA/mSATAD SSD or older Hard Drive, your hard drive will appear in the Secure Erase - ATA Devices menu. If it does not please contact Extensionit-help@illinois.edu for assistance.
If your SATA/mSATA SSD displays as Frozen you will be unable to check it.
In such a case select Sleep.
This will take it out of a Frozen state:
Check your SATA/mSATA SSD or HDD and Verify then select Continue:
You will be presented with a confirmation dialogue.
Check, I allow this utility to erase the listed device(s) and then select Start Erase:
Parted Magic will then Secure Erase (zero the mapping table) the SSD or write zeros to a HDD or HSSD.
It will take a few minutes for a SSD but it will take hours on a HDD or HSSD due to the speed of the drive and the wiping routine.
It will then verify that the operation has been successful:
You can then view the log:
Close the log when finished.
Turning off Computer after using Parted Magic
Once you have finished data wiping your pc, please turn off the computer. Click the Power button icon on the desktop and choose Turn off Computer from the menu:
As always if you run into any issues please contact the Extension IT Helpdesk at extensionit-help@illinois.edu.