Secure Erase and Windows 7 Installation

[Erinn]

Hello Everyone,

I would like to restore my SSD back to factory fresh condition by using a secure erase. I will have a brand new Windows 7 64 bit installation disc (like the one you would order from newegg that shows the retail packaging) to use as the install. I do not have a good understanding of the ins and outs of partitions, formatting, etc. etc. I was hoping someone could walk me through how I can wipe this SSD clean with a secure erase and put a fresh copy of Windows on it.

Thanks

 

[spooky2th]

No need to format a ssd. Just do the secure erase and it should be ready for windows install.

EDIT:
There are plenty of free apps that will erase and/or optimize a ssd. Whatever manufacturer your ssd is? There usually are tools at the ssd's web site to download too.

 

[clutchc]

There's really no need to do a "secure" erase on the SSD. It does not store data like HDDs do. Are you simply re-deploying the SSD in your own PC? If so, just install over the old data on it. Or use the clean command:
Boot from your Windows 7 installation media. (If you have a UEFI option to boot, do not select it, select the non-UEFI option for your boot media.)
After booting you see the Install Windows 7 screen, press Shift + F10 to open a command prompt.
At the command prompt, type Diskpart, press Enter.
Type List Disk, press Enter.
Type Select Disk # (where # is the number your drive shows up as), press Enter.
Type Clean, press Enter.
Type Exit, press Enter.
Close the Command Prompt window.
Click the "Next" button.
Click the "Install now" button.
Accept the terms and click the "Next" button.
Choose "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)."
Select the partition and click "Drive options (advanced)"
Click "New" and then click the "Apply" button. Two partitions should appear. Click the bottom partition.
Click the "OK" button and then click the "Next" button.
From then on follow the on screen instructions till you get to the desktop.

(Plagiarized from: http://www.overclock.net/t/1156654/seans-windows-7-install-optimization-guide-for-ssds-hdds)

 

[Erinn]

The SSD is going to stay in my PC. The reason I am doing the secure erase is because I have had a world of trouble getting SP1 installed on this. I have tried everything from anit-malware to rootkit. Everytime I go to do the update I get some type of error message. It is sometimes a different error code each time. The PC does not have much on it that cannot be easily put onto a flash drive. Plus, its never been cleaned out so I figure it would make things a little more smooth.

It is a PNY solid state drive but I checked their website and did not find a utility for secure erase.

 

[clutchc]

The link I sent to the Win7 download don't need SP1. It is included. Starting fresh with a clean install (w/HDD unplugged) should not be any problems. if there are, you may have hardware issues.

 

[Erinn]

Here is what I ordered from Newegg:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832416806&cm_re=windows_7_home_premium_64_bit-_-32-416-806-_-Product

So I should be able to just do the secure erase, turn the computer back on, pop the disc in, and install from there?

 

[clutchc]

Here is what I ordered from Newegg:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832416806&cm_re=windows_7_home_premium_64_bit-_-32-416-806-_-Product

So I should be able to just do the secure erase, turn the computer back on, pop the disc in, and install from there?

Yes. Don't forget to unplug the HDD. And the secure erase is unnecessary. The Win7 installation pgm. will format the SSD for you. But go ahead if it makes you feel better.

 

[Erinn]

About unplugging the HDD, I do not have one. The SSD is all there is in the PC. I assume you are referring to any HDD I have as additional storage correct?

 

[clutchc]

About unplugging the HDD, I do not have one. The SSD is all there is in the PC. I assume you are referring to any HDD I have as additional storage correct?

Oh, I thought the HDD was the original drive that you had Win installed on.
But yes, don't have any other drive connected when installing Win to the SSD so that it doesn't accidently install the boot sector to the wrong drive. Although that shouldn't happen with a USB drive.

So you're saying that the drivers were installed to the peripheral storage device? How is it connected, USB?

 

[Erinn]

When I built the PC, I only had a solid state drive. I installed windows onto this via a regular disc like you would buy at a retail store.

 

[Erinn]

I am getting another of the same disc to install back on to the solid state drive after it is erased.

 

[clutchc]

You bought two copies of Win7?

 

[Erinn]

Not at the same time. I just bought another one recently to fix this problem.

 

[Erinn]

I am open to any suggestions you may have to go about this problem by itself. I just figure that if I do the secure erase and put a brand new windows disc in the cd drive then there can't be too much that can go wrong.

 

[clutchc]

There is no need to spend money on another copy of Win7. All you are buying is the product key, and you already have that from the first copy. You can download the .ISO file and burn the same disk you get in the Newegg package.
But if you already bought it, I'd return it for refund unopened.

 

[Erinn]

Those links to make an .ISO file no longer work. I did think about that though.

 

[Erinn]

It looks like the ability to get a legal copy (Digital River) .ISO image is no longer around. At least for Win7 64

 

[clutchc]

Bummer. They must have just recently discontinued it. I downloaded a copy of the Win7 x64 Home Premium .ISO just a few weeks ago. Good thing I saved the files for future use.

But you said you have the Win7 legal disk. What's wrong with using it?

Try this link too: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-recovery

 

[Erinn]

Truthfully, all of this may be too in depth for me. As long as I can simply secure erase the SSD and then simply put the new disc in and install it then all is well. Thanks for the help.

 

[Erinn]

I just didn't know if it was that simple and straightforward.

 

[clutchc]

I just didn't know if it was that simple and straightforward.

Yes. All copies of Win7 are the same. The product key is the determining factor as to 1) you get it activated and 2) which version you get.

Just follow that guide I sent and you'll have no problems.

 

[spooky2th]

Here you can download Win7, any version.

http://www.w7forums.com/threads/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-image-downloads.12325/

Just need an activation code.

EDIT:
Just checked and only Win7 Home Premium is working???

 

[clutchc]

Here you can download Win7, any version.

http://www.w7forums.com/threads/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-image-downloads.12325/

Just need an activation code.

EDIT:
Just checked and only Win7 Home Premium is working???

Yeah, just noticed that myself, yesterday. Shame they had to go do that. One can still get a copy from http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-recovery
...but they want your product key first.

 

[Erinn]

Thanks everyone for the help. Everything that needed an answer is solved.