Usually, while using SSD on a PC we don't have to worry about doing any kind of maintenance because it already has a series of internal components. However, if you are going to sell it, something is changing because even if you format it, there are ways to recover that data and not like it, safely. So, let's see how erase the SSD and make it impossible to restore your data.
How to Safely Remove SSD
Fortunately, it is possible to wipe the SSD safely and without damaging the drive or shortening its longevity (in fact the opposite, of course). The way to do this is by using software so that instead of safely erasing all the data on the device, the SSD is "reset" to a clean memory state (not factory but almost).
The command «ATA Safe Delete»It instructs the SSD to clear all stored electronics, a process that forces the device to" forget "all the stored information. The command resets all existing blocks in the "delete" state (which is also the case that the TRIM command uses to delete files and refresh blocks). Importantly, the ATA Safe Erase does not write anything to the drive, therefore does not increase its wear.
Erase SSD using the manufacturer's tools
Almost all SSD manufacturers have their own software to perform a secure wipe, using the ATA Secure Erase command. Here is a list of the top manufacturers so you can download the one that best fits you:
Producer software is the first source you should switch to to securely remove data from your SSD, though you should remember that if your SSD is old, it may not include the ATA Secure Erase command, which you will need to go to next step of this document as the software will not be able to do it automatically.
Split magic, an option if you have a classic SSD
The magic that is divided is the Linux distribution that includes among its tools a wide spread to clear the SSD. Of course this software costs $ 11, but if you decide to buy it the license is permanent and you will never pay for anything else. In addition, Parted Magic is designed to install it on a USB pen drive and start a PC there, so you won't have to make it your life to install it on a PC disk or anything like that.
These are the steps to follow when deciding to use this method:
- Download Split Magic and create a usable USB using Unetbootin.
- Start from the USB pen drive with the SSD you want to turn off and select Option 1: Default settings.
- Once it is ripe, go to Start -> System Tools -> Disk Disk.
- Select the "Internal: Secure Delete command writes zeroes for every data point", and confirm the device you want to delete.
- Make sure you understood the risk by clicking the Yes button. Now it's a matter of waiting, software will do the rest.
