HP Disk Sanitizer, External Edition

4
Erase Methods
Each erase method follows basically the same formula which is described in more detail below (See
Figure 4). Note: Estimated times are based on an 80GB hard drive.
Figure 4: Write Patterns for HP Disk Sanitizer, External Edition
Write Patterns for HP Disk Sanitizer, External Edition
Pass Erase Cycles
Estimated Time*
Description
Single
22 minutes
Writes zeros to the entire hard drive.
3
68 minutes
Writes zeros, then ones, then random
hexadecimal digits to the entire hard drive.
5
115 minutes
Writes zeros, then ones, followed by two passes of
random hexadecimal digits, then single pass of
zeros.
10
230 Minutes
Writes zeros, then ones, followed by seven passes
of random hexadecimal digits, then a single pass
of zeros.
15
348 minutes
Writes zeros, then ones, followed by twelve
passes of random hexadecimal digits, then a
single pass of zeros.
Once you choose a secure erase method, you will be prompted to confirm the deletion of data from
the hard drive. The utility will then begin erasing the drive.
NOTE
If, at any time, an input error occurs (such as typing an “M”
rather than an “N”, the application will print an error
message. You will then be asked to input a correct
selection. The only correct input to be entered is menu
selections such as 1, 2, 3, “Y” or “N”.
Multiple Drives
Prior to running HP Disk Sanitizer, External Edition, make sure you have correctly identified the drive
to be erased. If running in interactive mode, there is a confirmation of the drive to be erased and
opportunity to cancel the erase cycle before inadvertently destroying data.