Format vs erasing HDD

[Buzztiger]

Is there a difference between formatting a hard disk and erasing a hard disk with software like DBAN ? Both of them will delete everything from the hard drive make them as though they are new drives right ?

 

[ZrE0_Cha0s]

i would say formatting does clear most of the stuff but still can get scap files leftover but hidden some where where u cant see much (possible of digging some files back)

erase will be to wipe clean the drive leaving no scrap to dig out.

but this is just my opinion hope others have some thing more concrete

 

[mero_cwj]

yah. especially if you use quick format, virtually everything on the drive before formatting will be retrievable using software.

but if you aren't concerned with file security, I don't think there is much of a difference to the average user. For all intents and purposes you will get a "fresh" HDD to use.

 

[lalalalalala]

Format especially quick format is just clear the file address from the hdd.

Wipe with software will be better as you are writing data on the platter to mask your previous data

Sent from OnePlus A0001 using GAGT

 

[86technie]

Formatting is basically just wipe and empty the partition.
Erasing wise is different, it rewrite the entire the disk drive
and chances of recovery is 0% since whatever data are cleared off.

Depend on how sensitive your data are, erasing HDD is recommended
for sensitive data but it will take a long time.
Alternate tools to wipe would be respective disk tools from manufacturers
like Seagate.

Seagate use Acronis Disk director solution to wipe but solely for Seagate
HDD only.
Western Digital also have their own tool to wipe but same thing only for WD HDD.

 

[Buzztiger]

So if Hard disk is erased, it will be in a state that in came in when new ? I am not sure if this is a silly quest but an erased hard disk can still be used right ?

 

[ragnarok95]

Just use diskpart/clean.

 

[ZrE0_Cha0s]

So if Hard disk is erased, it will be in a state that in came in when new ? I am not sure if this is a silly quest but an erased hard disk can still be used right ?

yes.
10char.