Returning HDD

[SirBun]

Im returning my new HDD to amazon after downloading windows 10, there isnt much info on it but i was wondering if i need to erase it before returning it, i currently dont actually have a PC to connect it up to, to erase it, unless there are ways i can connect it to my laptop and remove any data from there. 

any help is greatly appreciated. 

[AinsleyHarriot539]

You can buy a HDD disk enclosure by buying one you can connect it to your laptop and wipe the drive.

[EunSoo]

I would highly recommend doing a complete and hard format for the entire drive. Try getting a sata to usb adapter

[NinJake]

Look into DBAN. Works wonders! Very thorough as well.

[TetraSky]

You just installed Windows 10 on it? Did you activate it with your legitimate key or something? If you did, format it first. If you haven't, just return it as is. Unless you actually put something personal on there.

[SirBun]

it was when i was first installing windows 10 onto it, i got a free trail versio and downloaded it on via USB, all thats on it i think is my windows 10 and google account. 

[Captain_WD]

12 hours ago, SirBun said:

~snip~

Hi there

 

What is the drive's brand and model? 

Wiping a drive clean before returning it or selling it is suggested as you probably don't want anyone else accessing your data. 

You could simply use the built-in option in your OS to fully format the drive, use Clean All from Diskpart or use a third-party tool to write zeros on your drive.

One tool you could use is WD Data Lifeguard Diagnostic and its Zero Fill function. 

 

Let me know if you have any questions! 

 

Captain_WD.