HDAT2 forum

To cbl:

I have some questions about the ERASE UNIT command under Security:

1. Does it issue the Security Erase Prepare command before actually erasing the drive?

2. Can the command succeed if User password is selected and with security level set to Maximum?

3. Can you please add an option to erase at ENHANCED mode aside from NORMAL mode?

4. I tried erasing some good drives but there's no status/error indicator displayed, and I can only see the clock ticking at the upper right corner of the screen.

So is HDAT2 actually erasing the drive even if the HDD LED stays off all the time?

Thanks, and hoping to hear from you soon.

Hi,

>1. Does it issue the Security Erase Prepare command before actually erasing the drive?

YES. Without this it will not work.

>2. Can the command succeed if User password is selected and with security level set to Maximum?

NO, because:

"When the security level is set to Maximum the device requires a SECURITY ERASE PREPARE command and a SECURITY ERASE UNIT command with the master password to unlock."

It is possible with MASTER password only. I will correct this so in this case you can select master password only (not user password).

>3. Can you please add an option to erase at ENHANCED mode aside from NORMAL mode?

It is implemented, but if a drive doesn't support them, it will not appear on screen. Go to "Device Information's menu" in section "ATA/ATAPI Identify Device" - there you should see ""Security Status" if your drive support or not Enhanced Security Erase. If yes, you can select normal or enhanced mode in menu. If not, you will see normal mode only.

>4. I tried erasing some good drives but there's no status/error indicator displayed, and I can only see the clock ticking at the upper right corner of the screen.

If password is O.K. you should see a text "SECURITY ERASING, Please wait...". Status and contents of registers will be in some next version.
I tried these erasing functions and it was work. Maybe you have selected invalid combination, i don't know.

>So is HDAT2 actually erasing the drive even if the HDD LED stays off all the time?

I don't remenber now, but i think HDD LED should flashing. O.K., i try these all functions at home again and i write my report here. Maybe i made some mistake in new version of program...

Lubomir Cabla/CBL
Web page : http://www.hdat2.com/
Web forum: http://www.getphpbb.com/phpbb/index.php?mforum=lcabla

Thanks for all the clarifications.

I did leave overnight 2 known good drives with the last screen prompt "SECURITY ERASING, Please wait...". , USER password at High Security only, but HDD LED was OFF and nothing happens at 12 noon the following day for the 2 drives on 2 separate PCs. Please review this.

I sent one e-mail to you, if you have some problems let me know.