A Guide - Wipe or Erase Hard Drive in Windows Server

Securely Erase Your Windows Server Hard Drive: Two Proven Methods

This guide provides two reliable methods for securely wiping or erasing a hard drive in Windows Server, ensuring complete data removal before resale, disposal, or repurposing. Remember to back up crucial data before proceeding.

Why Erase Your Windows Server Hard Drive?

Data security is paramount. Wiping your hard drive is essential in scenarios such as:

• Virus infection: Eliminating malware traces.
• System repair: Preparing for a clean Windows Server reinstallation.
• Data cleanup: Removing unwanted files and system clutter.
• Data protection: Preventing data leaks before selling, donating, or recycling your hardware.

Essential: Back Up Your Data

Before erasing your hard drive, safeguard your valuable data with a reliable backup solution. MiniTool ShadowMaker is a free option that handles open files and folders on various Windows Server and client versions.

Backing Up with MiniTool ShadowMaker:

1. Download and install MiniTool ShadowMaker on your Windows Server.
2. Open the application and navigate to the "Backup" tab.
3. Select "Folders and Files" as the source, choose the files to back up, and click "OK".

4. Specify an external hard drive as the destination for your backup files.
5. Click "Back Up Now" to initiate the backup process.

Erasing Your Hard Drive: Two Methods

Once your data is safely backed up, you can proceed with securely erasing your hard drive using these methods:

Method 1: Using Command Prompt

This built-in Windows tool offers a command-line approach to disk management.

1. Search for "cmd," right-click, and select "Run as administrator."
2. Type diskpart and press Enter.
3. Execute these commands sequentially, pressing Enter after each:
   • list disk
   • select disk * (Replace * with the disk number you wish to erase)
   • clean all

Method 2: Using MiniTool Partition Wizard Server

This free partition manager provides a user-friendly interface for secure disk wiping.

1. Launch MiniTool Partition Wizard Server.
2. Select the target hard drive.
3. Choose "Wipe Disk" from the left-hand menu.
4. Select a wiping method (multiple options with varying security levels and time requirements).
5. Click "Apply" to execute the wipe operation.

Conclusion

These two methods offer secure and reliable ways to erase your Windows Server hard drive. Choose the method that best suits your technical comfort level and security needs. Remember to always back up your data before performing any disk wiping operations.

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