Utilizing DBAN to delete hard drive contents | Computing for Arts + Sciences
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Utilizing DBAN to delete hard drive contents

About DBAN

DBAN is a self-contained boot disk that automatically deletes the contents of any hard drive. DBAN helps prevent identity and data theft and removes viruses and spyware.You can request a DBAN disc from CAS ITS to remove the contents of a computer that you'd like to recycle.

If you are using DBAN, you should remember that deleted data cannot be restored.

If your erasure needs requires statements of conformity for certifications or regulatory requirements (PCI DSS, NIST, HIPAA, PIPEDA, GLBA, etc.) please utilize the "degauss" method by MMS instead of DBAN. DBAN will only show its users that the program is complete with its completion screen.

Finally, it is highly recommended you not have any external hard drives, flash drives, or other data storage devices connected to the machine while running DBAN on it. You risk losing the information stored on these devices as well.

Step-by-step

To use a DBAN disc to erase a computer's hard drive before sending it to UNT surplus, follow these instructions:

Dell machine

  1. Turn on the computer, if it is not already on
  2. Insert the DBAN CD into the disc tray and close the tray
  3. Turn off the computer
  4. With the computer off, locate the 'F12' key on the keyboard
  5. Turn on the computer
  6. Repeatedly press the 'F12' key until you see a menu asking how you would like to boot the system
  7. Using the Up and Down arrows on the keyboard, select the option to boot to the CD or DVD ROM drive
  8. After a few seconds, a prompt should appear waiting for input, type "autonuke" and press the Enter key
  9. The machine will process for several hours, this is where the Hard Drive gets wiped
  10. When the process is completed, a screen with the results will display

Apple machine

  1. Turn on the computer, if it is not already on
  2. Insert the DBAN CD into the disc tray and close the tray
  3. Turn off the computer
  4. With the computer off, locate the 'c' key on the keyboard
  5. Turn on the computer
  6. When you hear the startup sound, press and hold the 'c' key until you see a gray screen with the Apple logo in the middle
  7. After a few seconds, a DBAN screen with a prompt should appear, type "autonuke" and press the Enter key
  8. The machine will process for several hours, this is where the Hard Drive gets wiped
  9. When the process is completed, a screen with the results will display