Update: This article has been moved to the Answers @ ACES knowledgebase

Per university policy, all computers must have their hard disks wiped before they go to Surplus. Follow this quick and easy tutorial to wipe a Dell desktop or laptop.

What you’ll need

+ The Dell computer with monitor and keyboard

+ A CD containing the DBAN program (ask your IT Pro or download the program here)

+ A “scrub tag” for Surplus. You can download the template here and print to Avery label paper.

Getting started

1. Get ready to tap the F12 key repeatedly.

2. Power on the computer.

3. IMMEDIATELY start tapping the F12 key. This will load the Boot Menu.

4. Once the boot menu is loaded, insert the DBAN CD.

5. In the boot menu, arrow down to “CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive” and hit “Enter” to choose it.

 

6. Wait for the software to load. At the prompt, type the word autonuke and hit “Enter.”

 

7. Wait for the process to start. When it’s started, you’ll see this screen:

 

8. At this point, you can remove the CD. DBAN will continue to run until it finishes.

8.5. If it’s a laptop, DO NOT CLOSE THE LID.

9. When the program finishes, you’ll see this screen:

 

10. You can now power off the computer.

11. Attach a Surplus “scrub tag” to the computer on a non-detachable part.

12. Fill out the scrub tag with your department, your NetID, the date, and the actions taken (“Data Overwritten” in most cases).

The computer is ready to go to Surplus!

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