DBAN is software that promises to delete files from a computer without leaving any traces on the HD. The interesting function for those who want to sell their old PC and need to clear their memory, for example. After using the program, it is not possible to recover the data even with restoration software, which guarantees the privacy of the previous owner of the machine.
READ: 7 things you 'should' never do on Windows; Look
Therefore, it is important to be sure when activating DBAN, since all information is lost for good, including the operating system. Downloading the program is free, but requires an initial procedure to create a USB flash drive responsible for cleaning the disk via USB. Here's how it works for Windows 7, 8, and 10.
Want to buy cell phones, TV and other discounted products? Meet Compare dnetc
How to program a Windows computer to shut down by itself
Files deleted from the computer can be recovered if nothing else is saved in the same place. Therefore, the recommendation to have access to erased data without wanting to stop using the PC immediately. Removal software, such as DBAN, uses this feature to ensure that your information cannot be accessed. The solution basically consists of writing random data to storage, preventing the original files from being accessible again.
The cleaning mechanism varies. Depending on the user's need, it is possible to perform a faster procedure, which saves zeros and ones on the HD and checks three times before finalizing. Or it can be more time-consuming and effective, when the software writes a larger amount of random data and checks more often that none of the files can really be accessed with any recovery program.
Step 1. Download the DBAN in ISO format. Then, download the Rufus program to your PC and insert the USB stick into the computer's USB port. Then, open Rufus and select your thumb drive. Click Select to import the DBAN ISO file;
Use Rufus to record DBAN on the USB stick Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves
Step 2. Select the DBAN ISO file and click Open;
Import the DBAN ISO file into Rufus Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves
Step 3. Click Start to proceed with the installation. In a few seconds, the pendrive must have the removal software installed and ready to use;
Record the DBAN ISO to a USB stick Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves
Using DBAN on the computer
Step 1. Keep the USB stick connected to the computer and configure the BIOS to boot via USB. That way, you avoid starting Windows and can open DBAN directly when connecting;
Configure the UEFI boot order to give priority to USB devices Photo: Fernando Telles / dnetc
Step 2. The DBAN interface is simple, like a command line. The program displays all available cleaning methods. Each uses a different method to delete their files, with more or less random recording and verification steps.
DBAN recommends the autonuke option (without quotes) for most users. Type the command and hit Enter. Then, just wait for the procedure to be performed. Remember to keep the computer connected to a power source to finish the process smoothly.
Type autonuke to start DBAN in automatic mode Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves
