Policies
Windows procedure for wiping computer data before sale, redistribution, or scrap
Introduction
The following is a simple procedure to completely wipe the contents of Windows P.C. hard disks prior to disposal of the equipment. This procedure should be followed whenever a P.C. is being disposed of regardless of whether it is being scrapped, sold, or redeployed elsewhere in the University. Many departments have a member of IT staff who will take care of this for them, but the following instructions will enable those who don't to be sure that their P.C. is ready for disposal.
The user of the computer is the person who uses the computer on a day to day basis and who has a detailed knowledge of the data contained within the system. They are the only person who can determine what data need to be retained. See also the University's Personal Data Retention Policy (www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/ar/policy/dpact/recret/) for information on personal data (as covered by the Data Protection Act). The University is working on a more comprehensive retention schedule to cover Freedom of Information legislation and general records management.
Data Backup
Warning:
After you have gone through this procedure there will be no way to recover your data. Please ensure all of the data from the computer is backed up. You can write the data to a CD or other storage device. Users of the Staff Desktop service can use the Desktop Backup service (see www.lboro.ac.uk/it/desktop/backup/) now included in the University IT Services folder, but note that this does not back up documents saved directly to the computer's desktop.
After backing up please ensure that all removable storage media (floppy disks, CD, DVD, Jazz, Zip) have been removed.
Introducing Darik's Boot and Nuke (DBAN)
The software used to wipe computers is called "Darik's Boot and Nuke" or DBAN. We recommend using this software because any data which has been deleted in the normal way and even if a hard drive has been formatted can be retrieved with specialist software freely available on the internet. This program prevents any chance of that by writing over the data with random bytes of data a number of times. More information on the DBAN software can be found at http://www.dban.org/.
How long does it take?
This process will take three hours or more depending on the size of the hard drive(s) in the computer and the processor speed, so it would probably be best to set it going over night. It displays how far it has got in a percentage on the left hand side of the screen, and long it has been running for in the top right hand corner of the screen.
How to start
First you need a copy of the software on floppy disk or CD; this is available from the IT Services' Service Desk or from your department IT representative. Once you have a copy of the disk and have backed up any data, you may want from the computer you can shut the computer down. Once it is fully turned off, insert the floppy disk and then turn the computer back on. It should then load the program; if it does not and goes straight into windows please read the trouble shooting section of this document. Once it has loaded type "autonuke" and press return to start the program.
When using the CD version of the software watch out for a message saying "press any key to boot from the CD drive" or something similar. If you see this message, press the space bar to load the program.
How to finish
Once it has finished it will display a message saying it has a log file to write somewhere. You can insert a blank floppy disk in the drive where the DBAN floppy is and save the log file there, or alternatively you can ignore this message, take out the DBAN floppy or CD, and restart your computer. After it has completed and you have restarted it should display the message "No Operating System Loaded".
Trouble shooting
Problem: I'm not sure if I have backed up all of my data.
Solution: If you are not sure, get someone to double check it with you, preferably a member of IT staff.
Problem: The program won't load, when I start up it goes straight into Windows.
Solution: Make sure the P.C. is fully shut down and the floppy is inserted before you turn it back on.
Problem: I have put the disk in but when I start up it still goes straight into Windows.
Solution: Try the CD version, if this does not work contact the Service Desk or your department IT representative and ask them if someone can come and change the boot sequence of your computer so you can wipe it.
Problem: I cannot save my log file.
Solution: Don't worry about it, just restart the P.C. with no floppy in the drive and check it says "No operating system loaded".
Problem: I have restarted but it doesn't say "No operating system loaded".
Solution: Make sure there is no floppy disk in the drive and restart it again. If this still does not work phone the Service Desk on 222333 and ask if someone can come and check it for you.
Problem: It does not work on my Mac.
Solution: See our suggestions for Macintosh www.lboro.ac.uk/it/policies/erase-mac.html.
Certification form
The individual who cleared the hard drive should fill out the form www.lboro.ac.uk/it/policies/erase-confirm.html.