How to delete all data from SSD/HDD drives(Fresh start)

[Blightning]

Hi, i want to "reset" my SSD and HDD, delete all files currently on them and then reinstall Windows and everything.
Now my problem is that i've looked up several threads on this website and other google results, but most of the guides feature overwriting/encrypting the files on them in case you want to sell it, but i just want everything off the drives so i can start fresh.

1. Does anyone have a guide specific for that that is up to date?(I am using Windows 7 Professional)

2. I have this portable hard drive(https://www.amazon.com/Elements-Portable-Drive-Storage-WDBUZG0010BBK-EESN/dp/B00CI3BLPA). I saw many guides featuring me having to boot from USB sticks or other, am i able to boot from this?

3. So far i always used this method(http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000186.htm), see the Windows 7 section.
Just deleted all the partitions, then made a new one and installed Windows again.
Will this be enough for my purpose or will there be files left on the drive? I read a lot about "shadow files" or smth like that and i don'T want to have those left, i want to start over completely fresh.


I hope someone can help me out here quick, i am sure its common knowledge but i've never done it before and the amount of different methodes is a bit to much for me. =/

 

[Hellfire13]

http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/dariks_boot_and_nuke.html

 

[Boogieman_WD]

Hey there, Blightning.

Basically what you've been doing up until now is perfectly fine. Especially having in mind your OS is on an SSD. Just make sure that you have AHCI enabled before you install Windows. This is done via your BIOS/UEFI. Once you've done that just install Windows as usual (delete the partition and run the installation). Once the installation is completed go ahead and enable TRIM. This is an OS function which basically takes care of the residual data left on the SSD. Here's a link with tips for SSD users which will definitely be useful: https://www.maketecheasier.com/12-things-you-must-do-when-running-a-solid-state-drive-in-windows-7/ (it has instructions on how to enable trim as well).

Note: Make sure that the SSD is the only drive connected to the motherboard during the Windows installation to avoid possible future issues.

As for the HDD, you can simply run Full Format and you should be fine.

Hope that helps. Please let me know how it goes and don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions.
Boogieman_WD

 

[Blightning]

Hey there, Blightning.

Basically what you've been doing up until now is perfectly fine. Especially having in mind your OS is on an SSD. Just make sure that you have AHCI enabled before you install Windows. This is done via your BIOS/UEFI. Once you've done that just install Windows as usual (delete the partition and run the installation). Once the installation is completed go ahead and enable TRIM. This is an OS function which basically takes care of the residual data left on the SSD. Here's a link with tips for SSD users which will definitely be useful: https://www.maketecheasier.com/12-things-you-must-do-when-running-a-solid-state-drive-in-windows-7/ (it has instructions on how to enable trim as well).

Note: Make sure that the SSD is the only drive connected to the motherboard during the Windows installation to avoid possible future issues.

As for the HDD, you can simply run Full Format and you should be fine.

Hope that helps. Please let me know how it goes and don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions.
Boogieman_WD

Hi. Thank you very much for your help and sorry for the late response, had some issues with restoring my firefox profile... . The reinstallation went fine and everything is, as i expected, very fast again and i have a lot of space again on my SSD.
I also followed almost all steps from the guide you send me about optimizing my SSD, thanks again for that, its very helpful.

 

[Boogieman_WD]

I'm glad I was able to help. Good job on setting everything up!