Open it with ubuntu software center to install it. Once you see ubuntu, then open your browser and download the. Get it free off their website and install it on a usb flash drive (at least 4GB) and boot off that flash drive. I have wasted.no spent 2 days so far.ītw, if you want to run linux (ubuntu distro) with minimum hassle, then I am seriously considering throwing away my old hdd and getting a new one. So, its not as easy as following 10 steps and being done with it. To solve all those problems, I had to read more and each step becomes like 5-6 sub-steps. My system threw up problems in many steps of the above tutorial. I am using it right now, in the hopes of wiping my HPA and DCO, as per this tutorial - īUT, this approach is full of challenges. īC Wipe Total wipeout is a $50 tool that clearly mentions its ability to wipe DCO and HPA. HDDErase by CMRR has HPA and DCO removal feature, but its an old project which was not supported/continued after 2007 or so. Guy, might want to see if a criminal has hidden secret data in these areas.ĭBAN suggests other paid solutions for these purposes, by its partner Blancco - ītw, Blancco advertises on DBAN software. If you don't wipe these areas too, and the (sophisticated) malware has infected them, chances are that your infection will return after a 'full erase' and reinstall of (windows) OS. Software of any kind (malware) can be hidden in the HPA and DCO areas. If you have malware, especially rootkits and bootkits.I am no expert, rather an average user,but I have gained some knowledge on the internet. I saw that the answers don't mention one crucial aspect - removing data from 'secret areas' in your HDD such as HPA (Host Protected Area) and DCO (Device Configuration Overlay). I quickly glanced at most of the answers and did ctrl +f HPA, then DCO. Why I wanted to do a 'full erase' - malware infection. Damn ! I need at least 10 rep to post more than 2 links.

Dod erase hard drive