I am selling my HDD and I want to erase it. I would like to use DBAN, but it doesn't erase HPA and DCO, my question is, does it matter? What data can be here? And my second question - if I wipe HPA with DCO, can I normally install Windows afterwards, doesn't it damage the disc? Thanks.
I would like to use DBAN, but it doesn't erase HPA and DCO, my question is, does it matter? What data can be here?
If it matters – that's really for you to decide. Only you can evaluate the risks.
If there is a HPA, it probably contains stuff from the manufacturer, to be used for restoring the system to original state. That just *might* include information relevant to you, as a customer. Unlikely, but not technically impossible. If you bought and installed the disk yourself, it probably doesn't containing anything like that, unless you've added it yourself.
DCO is generally only used by HDD manufacturers. If it contains any data, you almost certainly put it there yourself. Or the previous owner of the HDD did.
if I wipe HPA with DCO, can I normally install Windows afterwards, doesn't it damage the disc?
No it doesn't do any damage. All you'll see after the wipe is that there are some additional sectors available.
However, it's fairly rare to see either now, as other methods for system restoration are used. I've seen a DCO once, but never a HPA.
Seems like there is no need for erasing HPA and DCO. What software can I use to check those sectors, can I even acess them?
If it is a normal domestic disk drive, just do a full format, ie one that blanks every sector.
If you have a drive that has been used for secure information, and you could be questioned about it in the future, the do the full format above, and then physically smash the platter.
In my opinion, process one above will be fine for 99.?% of drives.
Seems like there is no need for erasing HPA and DCO. What software can I use to check those sectors, can I even acess them?
Either mhdd or hdat2 should do.
To wipe the disk, if you want to be accurate, use the internal Safe Erase ATA command, initiated through Saferease or hdparm, which will also be faster than any software based solution.
jaclaz
If it is a normal domestic disk drive, just do a full format, ie one that blanks every sector.
If you have a drive that has been used for secure information, and you could be questioned about it in the future, the do the full format above, and then physically smash the platter.
In my opinion, process one above will be fine for 99.?% of drives.
Format and then physically smash?
physically smash should be enough
Format and then physically smash?
physically smash should be enough
… but you have to send the pieces to random addresses in China
www.forensicfocus.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=9682/
jaclaz
Format and then physically smash?
physically smash should be enough
Not going to be able to sell it after that, which OP indicates (s)he wants to do.
Not going to be able to sell it after that, which OP indicates (s)he wants to do.
This might depend on how/where the thingy is sold, you know, like wink 
jaclaz
There are many Apps. to ZERO-FILL drives where no way to recover anything from it.
and those Apps. are FREE and tested
here is the one i use
http//
In addition, there is a Pro. way of wiping Multiple Drives @ once
but those are way expensive and not cheap btw