How to wipe a drive after installing 8.1 to SSD

[SykeMyLyfe]

How would i go about completely wiping a HDD after installing 8.1 to my SSD? Do i just delete the partition & start a new one? Do i need a program or something?

 

[USAFRet]

When you installed 8.1, was the HDD still connected?
If so, the small System Reserved partition probably exists on that drive and not the SSD.

If you can boot without the HDD connected, you're good.
Disk Management, and see exactly what partitions are on it.
You can also delete any desired partitions in Disk Management, but be absolutely sure you know what ones you are accessing and deleting.

 

[SykeMyLyfe]

I haven't installed 8.1 yet. I just want to know what to do before i do anything.

 

[gbb0330]

there are several ways to accomplish this

you can use Microsoft's DISKPART command:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/300415

or you can use a utility like DBAN
http://www.dban.org/

if you plan on installing another version of windows on the same HDD you can simply go through the advanced settings during setup, delete the partitions, create new ones and proceed with format and install.

 

[USAFRet]

I haven't installed 8.1 yet. I just want to know what to do before i do anything.

OK, then.
Install the OS with ONLY the SSD connected.
Verify the SSD is first in the boot order.
After all is up and running to your satisfaction, reconnect the HDD.
Disk Management, and delete all the partitions on the HDD.
Format.
Done.

 

[SykeMyLyfe]

I want to wipe windows off my HDD completely since i'm installing it to my SSD instead.

 

[gbb0330]

I want to wipe windows off my HDD completely since i'm installing it to my SSD instead.

Lets make sure we understand what you are trying to do.
Sounds like you have 2 hard drives, 1 mechanical hard drive with windows on it and another new SSD drive. you want to install windows on the SSD drive and boot from it. Do you want to delete everything from the old mechanical drive or just windows?

 

[reedo_43]

The above advise will do just that...

 

[SykeMyLyfe]

I just want to delete everything off the one harddrive. So pretty much delete the partiton, format the HDD & make a new partition?

 

[gbb0330]

yeah, basically follow USAFRet's advice

 

[SykeMyLyfe]

Alright thank you guys so much! I'ma do that now.