TESTING THE HARD DRIVE - 9
Full Drive Erase
The Full Erase Function allows for the complete data erasure of the
hard drive by writing zeroes to all sectors. Normally, the Quick Erase
function is sufficient for the successful reinstallation of the operating
system on a functional drive. However, in some instances, a Full Erase
may be desired. Newer Western Digital hard drives incorporate
features which allow this process to be completed much quicker than
older Western Digital or other make hard drives. Erase speed will vary
depending on the drive features:
With Western Digital drives that support the WD Write feature, once
started, this function cannot be aborted. Using other manufacturer
drives, this operation can be aborted and then restarted as desired. For
other manufacturer’s hard drives and WD hard drives that do not
support the WD Write function, this function may take several hours
to complete.
Quick Drive Erase
The Quick Drive Erase allows for the partial data erasure of the drive.
This prepares a drive that passed all functional and media tests for the
reinstallation of the operating system and applications.
The time required to perform this function varies depending on the
hard drive. Newer Western Digital hard drives include features that
complete this process in less than one minute. Once started, this
function cannot be aborted.
Older Western Digital and other make hard drives complete this
function within approximately five minutes. With these drives, you
can abort this function and restart it if desired. This operation is data
destructive. However, if you have not started this function, you can
abort and return to the main menu without any data loss
Feature
Speed
WD Write
2 GB per minute
PIO Write
3.5 MB per minute
Caution:
Do not pull the power cord to abort this function, as this
will cause media errors and will require the Full Drive Test or Full
Drive Erase to correct the errors.
Caution:
Do not pull the power cord to abort this function, as this
will cause media errors and will require the Full Drive Test or Full
Drive Erase to correct the errors.
