Format SSD with OS Installed, what should I do first?

[Quantic]

Hello, I want to format my SSD that has Windows 7 installed. I have the option of using the SSD software (Samsung Magician) to do a secure erase. But I'm confused about how it's going to securely erase the SSD while the OS is installed, and while I'm using the computer. Will the program turn off the computer and perform the format there? Are there any better ways to format the SSD? Should I take out the SATA cable from my HDD? Also, when I want to format my HDD should I use the Windows CD to format? Or can I (right click)Computer - Manage - Disk Management - Choose the Partition - Format - Quick Format?

Clear instructions on how to format my SSD and HDD properly are appreciated. I made the mistake of installing Windows 7 while I had both my HDD and SSD connected.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

Put in OS DVD and format the OS drive.

I put the OS on the HD on a 128GB partition , then Partitions for Programs, Games and Data. Then I unplug HD and isntall OS to SSD leaving the backup on the HD in case SSD goes south. "Active" OS partitions have to be formatted using the DVD. You can boot to the OS on SSD to format the OS partition on HD and visa versa.

 

[Dr_JRE]

Download Seatools for DOS:
http://www.seagate.com/support/downloads/item/seatools-dos-master/

The download routine for SeaTools for DOS creates a bootable CD or floppy diskette.

Boot from the CD media or diskette to start SeaTools for DOS.

Use Full Erase to zero-fill your hard disk. (This takes a long time.)

Alternatively:

If you have a Microsoft Windows Installation disk and are not worried about files still being recoverable after erasure, you can use that to simply format the drive (this is not a secure erase, files will be recoverable) Boot the computer from the Windows disk [OEM disks often dont use the official windows installer and thus might not work for this.] Select Install now, when prompted where you want to install windows, click advanced, click on the drive you want to format and click on format. once format is complete, cancel the installation process, restart the computer and remove the windows disk.)

 

[Quantic]

I downloaded something called GParted instead of Seatools for the DOS (http://gparted.sourceforge.net/livecd.php). Correct me if I'm wrong but, I think all I have to do is burn the GParted iso onto a disk and then put it in my drive, reboot my PC in DOS mode and run the Secure Erase for the SSD.

 

[mad-max79]

You can create a bootable DVD/USB Drive when using Samsung Magician. The Magician only allows to erase Samsung SSD, so your HDD should be fine. But be careful, after a secure erase everything on your SSD is gone forever.