Sony Vaio Wipe and Erase

[nokia42_2010]

Hi

I hope you can help.

I have damaged my screen and cannot see anything on it and want to get it repaired. However, before I do this I want to wipe and erase the data on the hard disk.

If anyone has the same model, please can you provide a step to step guide on how to do this using a keyword, as I am doing it blindly.

I look forward to your help

Thanks,

[xrules]

well another simple option is to buy a cheap hard disk .. and swap the hard disk.. (you will have your data when your notebook comes back .. as you can swipe your hard disks again.. ) or take your hard disk out, connect it to another pc, erase data and place it back..

[Trovador]

Connect your computer to an external monitor or projector using one of your video outs.

[DetlevCM]

If you have another computer you can try formatting your drive using an XP installation disc.
You can "walk through" the details on another pc.
No guarantee but I believe !!! that you files should not be damaged as long as you don't delete a partition or format anything on your instal.

[bogart]

You can also run DBAN on another computer, but don't run it completely, only to remember the keypress sequence that will allow you to wipe a drive, then repeat the keypress sequence on your notebook.

[nokia42_2010]

Thanks, I am running it now.

How long is it likely to take on a 80gb hard disk?

[bogart]

It depends on the type of erase you chose. I'd keep it running until the HDD activity led stops blinking.

[nokia42_2010]

I typed "autonuke". Once I press enter does it start erasing without confirmation?

[bogart]

I'm not sure, it's been a while since I used that utility. Is the hard drive active after you type that? If not, probably there's another key you need to press. Try pressing F10. To get definitive answers, you should ask here.