HDD GURU FORUMS

I have two questions about the HDD Low Level Format Tool:

1. Can I run HDD Low Level Format Tool in Windows XP and this way format a second disk (not used by the system) right there, in Windows?

2. Will the low-level format also delete (format) the MBR/boot sector - will it format really >>everything<<?

Thank you!

1. yes
2. yes

OK, thank you for answering! But I decided to first low-format my old HDD by using Magic_Boot_Disk_ISO_v2.0.iso and I need some help. So, here is what I'd like to do:

I have a WD2000 (200GB) SATA HDD and it's possible that it contains viruses/malware, possibly even in the MBR/boot sector. I will do it with on an older PC of mine which could also be infected, that's why I'd like to use Magic Boot Disk from hddguru.com site which includes MHDD tool in a zip file to do it in a clean (DOS) enviroment.

So tell me how to do that properly (so that EVERYTHING will be low-formatted on that WD2000 HDD) and so that when I stick back the old drive the PC will work as before and I'll have a formatted spare drive which I can use or sell.

Please write me what to do first. I guess I have to burn the Magic_Boot_Disk_ISO_v2.0.iso to a CD-ROM, uninstall the present HDD and install the WD2000 in it's place and then boot the PC from the Magic Boot Disk CD-ROM. But what then? Do I first use FDISK or do I first pkunzip MHDD (where?) and how do I use it? In short, how do I low-level format entire disk, including MBR/boot sector.

Additional questions: should I first check the HDD for errors (or check it for errors later or not at all), should I fill the disk with zeros (how?) and should I low-format it again later in Windows (using HDD Low Level Format Tool)?

Thank you A LOT for your help!

Magoc boot disk load Mhdd automatically?? Or you just need to type MHDD (enter)

Inside press
SHIFT + F3 - choose the HDD (ENTER)
ERASE (ENTER)
(ENTER)
(ENTER)
y (ENTER)
{WAIT till completes - 30 - 180minutes}
CLRMBR (ENTER)
FDISK (ENTER)


Optional
SCAN {Check for bads}
SHIFT + ENTER (can take the same time like erase)


Like factory new.. (if no bad sectors found that is )

Good luck

MHDD is zipped in that ISO I think, that's why I'm asking. What about my additional questions? Should I zero-fill the disk with WinHex? Maybe defragment it after the format? Thanx!

Hahaha, What?

Downlaod another version that will laod it directly- there are a few there i think.


Define Defragment
:: Take files that are split into pices and place them toghether in one piece of the hard drive surface::

Define Format
:: Remove all files from Hard Drive ::

Do you know where I can find an other version of Magic Boot Disk v2 (with already unzipped MHDD)? If not, is it possible to unzip the MHDD.zip somewhere when I boot with the Magic Boot Disk CD and then use it?

And another thing I'm concerned about:

At the moment I have a WD3200 SATA II disk as my system disk (my only disk) in my PC (running Windows XP). When I'll shut down the PC and remove my present disk and insert WD2000 SATA (I) which I want to low-format (including MBR/boot sector), will then BIOS automatically see which disk I have and when I boot up my PC with Magic Boot Disk CD then I'll be able to low-format the drive... When all is done and I shut down the PC and instert back my WD3200 SATA II disk with all my data and system on it, will then all work exactly as before, will BIOS automatically find out my original disk and everything will be fine? I've herad that Windows XP may ask you to reinstall the system after you install the disk back again... So?

Thank you!

...well? Help please.

Er...

In your place i would suggest using another computer todo this. get some junk from your basement/attic or local pc shot for a few bucks. like a amd duron or p4..

Mess on that and see what happens. Because by the sounds of it you have very little knowlegde why things can happen- and if they do happen how to fix it.

You can also do zero fill using hddscan for windows if you put your OTHER hdd into a usb adapter. Make sure you select the right drive.

Doing (ERASE) using mhdd will be enough to destroy all the data on that drive NEVER to be recovered from 0 to END - kaput- dead- no magic potion to bring back from dead.( i mean data) HDD will be ok

Use it as secondary.