HD-20: Erasing Information to Government Specs



Article Change History
----------------------
08/27/92 - REVISED
* To provide information on "HD 20 Test" version 1.1, and how to
use it to perform a low-level format of the hard drive that
meets Government specs for erasing the disk.


I used my HD-20, non-SCSI hard drive, while working on a U.S. Government
contract, which is now completed. I need to erase the information on the
hard drive in accordance with Government specs, or the Government will
confiscate my hard drive, so they can destroy it.

The Finder's Erase Disk option is not suitable for erasing sensitive
Government information because it simply erases the disk's directory.

Do you have a utility that zeros all blocks, including those that were
previously spared?

"HD 20 Test" version 1.1 has a data-destructive, low-level formatting
feature that can be used for this.

The low-level formatting feature of "HD 20 Test" version 1.1 is hidden. To
access it:

1) Launch the program.

2) When the main dialog appears, press "Command-D", and a new dialog
appears. This dialog displays what is actually happening during the
diagnostic cycle. It also provides more detailed options.

3) Click the radio button marked "Dstrct" at the lower right of the dialog
box to perform a data-destructive, low-level format on the drive (all
zeros are written to every block).

Note
----
A 24-hour extended diagnostic test is also available with "HD 20 Test"
version 1.1 as a hidden feature. Press "Command-E" when the main dialog
appears to access this feature.

Published Date: Feb 18, 2012