Do I need to erase SSD before reinstalling Windows?

[Reikan Amin]

I'm running into a lot of problems with my current version so I'm looking to do a fresh re-installation while taking advantage of the 840 evo drive encryption. Should I just simply reinstall like I would a HDD or is there a process involved?

Also an additional question- Is there any point in encrypting my SSD when I am also using an HDD?

 

[geofelt]

I can't speak to encryption.
But, it seems to me to be asking for trouble. A lost key would be a problem.
If you have files that would be valuable to others if stolen, then perhaps.

For a fresh install, you will be asked if you want to overwrite the current data so no added erasure is necessary.

 

[jdcranke07]

The encryption would be drive dependent. So, if you HDD can utilize it then you can use it there, however, if not then don't worry about the HDD.

My personal recommendation is to use a wipe program like Parted Magic that cleans the SSD completely. If you just re-install windows without wiping all the original stuff is still there, but it is put into another subfolder.

 

[Reikan Amin]

Thanks for the replies. Will the Magician software provided for the 840 EVO suffice? It offers a secure erase feature and so does my motherboard.

 

[bigpinkdragon286]

I would recommend against a secure erase feature unless your drive holds sensitive personal data that could fall into the hands of somebody who will use it for nefarious purposes. It causes unnecessary wear and tear on a device with limited write capacity. All you need to do is delete the partitions on your SSD during the Windows installation process, which will effectively remove all of the data, and let Windows partition the drive for you. It won't have any leftovers or remnants of your data to worry about, and you'll be doing the least amount of writing to the drive, therefore extending it's useful lifespan.

I would also steer clear of any drive encryption, unless you know that you need it. In the event your drive is no longer accessible through the computer it is installed into, you may find you are unable to retrieve your data through other methods as well. These features are for those who have sensitive data, or are trying to hide something. It doesn't keep you any safer from malware or viruses.

 

[Danra]

Enter BIOS, make your optical drive the boot drive. Place the Windows disk into your optical drive and start the computer [soft boot from BIOS will work]. At the early phase of installing Windows, remove all partitions, then add them as required. This will erase everything Windows can see and it will "think" you are installing to a new drive.

Remember to re-enter BIOS and make your SSD the boot drive after installing Windows.