The below article is a guide for how to wipe a computer hard drive (HDD). This guide is not specific to Elo touchcomputers but can be used on any computer.

Important Note: Wiping a hard drive will irreversibly erase all data on it. Make sure you have backed up any important files before proceeding. Please see our knowledge article: General Guide - How to Backup a Computer

1. Back up your data: Before wiping the hard drive, ensure that any important files or data you want to keep are backed up to an external storage device, cloud storage, or another computer.

2. Determine the wiping method: There are several wiping methods you can choose from, depending on your requirements and the level of security you desire. Here are three commonly used methods:

• Software-based wiping: Use specialized software designed to securely erase data from hard drives. Examples include DBAN (Darik's Boot and Nuke), Eraser, or CCleaner. Follow the instructions provided by the software to create a bootable USB or CD/DVD and perform the wiping process.
• Built-in operating system tools: Most operating systems have built-in tools that allow you to securely erase hard drives. For Windows, you can use the DiskPart utility or the format command with the /p parameter. On macOS, you can use Disk Utility to format the drive securely.
• Physical destruction: If you require the highest level of data security or have a defective hard drive, physically destroying the drive is an option. This can be done by drilling holes into the drive, using a hard drive shredder, or engaging professional data destruction services.

3. Prepare the wiping method: Depending on the method you choose, follow the instructions provided by the software or utility. If using software-based wiping, create the bootable media (USB or CD/DVD) containing the wiping tool.

4. Boot from the wiping media: Restart your computer and boot from the bootable media you created in the previous step. This may involve changing the boot order in your computer's BIOS settings or using a boot menu key during startup (e.g., F12, ESC, or DEL).

5. Select the hard drive to wipe: Once the computer boots from the wiping media, you will typically be presented with a menu or interface that allows you to select the hard drive you want to wipe. Choose the appropriate hard drive and confirm your selection.

6. Initiate the wiping process: Follow the prompts or commands provided by the wiping software to initiate the wiping process. This process may take some time, depending on the size and speed of the hard drive. The wiping software will overwrite the entire drive with random data, effectively erasing the previous data.

7. Verify the wipe: After the wiping process is complete, some wiping tools provide a verification option to ensure the data has been successfully erased. Verify the wipe if the option is available.

8. Reinstall the operating system (optional): If you intend to reuse the hard drive or sell it, you can reinstall the operating system on it. Follow the usual installation procedures for your operating system to reinstall it on the wiped hard drive.

Remember to follow proper disposal or recycling procedures for any hard drives you no longer need or those that are physically destroyed.