Question How delete both HDD and SSD pristine ckean

[tomachas]

Hi,

I have recently built my new PC and now I want to clean up my old system before I sell it. So my question would be what is the best way to delete so there no trace of anything?
I had reinstalled same old PC in the past but some reminiscence would be left like old windows part. I am not super techy but try my best tomake sense. Excuse my lack of understanding.

Thanks

 

[R_1]

start the windows install and delete each partition on each drive, after the drives are partition free and "blank" then let windows install as it wishes. this way you can sell it with a working windows install.

Wiping each drive is more secure, albeit longer to finish and must be done before you install the OS and may require another computer.

the most secure option is keeping the drives.

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[USAFRet]

Are you installing an OS on this to sell?
Or selling it with bare drive(s)?

 

[tomachas]

Are you installing an OS on this to sell?
Or selling it with bare drive(s)?

That's exactly what wanted to ask before you posted reply. Yes, I want to install Windows 10 from USB without entering key license too.

 

[Maxxify]

Sanitize for SSD. How to achieve that depends on the model and whether or not it has Secure Erase in the toolbox. Usually you want to do Secure Erase - using Parted Magic or similar if there's no toolbox, or a BIOS option, or SOMEhow - followed by a retrim command in Windows (Optimize-Volume -DriveLetter H -ReTrim).

Secure Erase: erases mapping table. Sanitize: Secure Erase, but also deletes data. Retrim: marks all unused blocks and aggressively erases. TRIM in Windows will do RZAT - Read Zero after TRIM.

 

[USAFRet]

That's exactly what wanted to ask before you posted reply. Yes, I want to install Windows 10 from USB without entering key license too.

After Secure Erase on the SSD (however you do that), install the OS on the drive with only the SSD connected.
And do this while the system is not connected to your LAN (or other outside connection)

How To - Windows 10 clean install tutorial

If you are looking for the Windows 11 Clean install tutorial, you can find that here: Windows 11 Clean install tutorial (Click here) Otherwise, welcome to the Windows 10 Clean install tutorial This tutorial is intended to help you, step by step, to perform a clean install of Windows...

forums.tomshardware.com

Later, connect the HDD and DBAN.

 

[tomachas]

Thanks people for your help . Currently I am struggling to delete some files due to various Windows permission. A little stuck in the loop. I have chosen to delete my 2nd storage Hard Drive first, there are no Windows installed as far as I understand. When I complete that I will look into your replies further.

Many thanks!

 

[USAFRet]

And I just replied to your follow on question.

 

[tomachas]

And I just replied to your follow on question.

Hi !

Thanks for giving a hand. All files are backed up now. I found the video how to delete it from cmd. Will try to find time to do it tomorrow though.
Do you know if it's safe/or should I delete reserved partition? I believe I made it when clean install.

 

[USAFRet]

Hi !

Thanks for giving a hand. All files are backed up now. I found the video how to delete it from cmd. Will try to find time to do it tomorrow though.
Do you know if it's safe/or should I delete reserved partition? I believe I made it when clean install.

First, you test.
Disconnect ALL drives except the one that holds the OS.
Power On.
Does it boot correctly?

If so, you can reconnect all other drives and wipe as desired.

 

[tomachas]

First, you test.
Disconnect ALL drives except the one that holds the OS.
Power On.
Does it boot correctly?

If so, you can reconnect all other drives and wipe as desired.

Sorry, been busy lately. Back now. Did just like you said. System bootted. HDD was secure deleted while SSD ciphered. Yesterday sold my old PC. Thanks for tour help!

 

[tomachas]

Thanks :
@R_1
@Maxxify for your help!