Drive Wiper question

[cadleo]

When I select "Cleaner > Windows > Advanced > Wipe Free Space > Run Cleaner" and do a 35 pass complex over write, it takes about 6 hours to do complete on a 500gb 7200rpm drive conneted via usb.

 

When I choose "Tools > Drive Wiper > Free Space" under the tools, the same hard drive takes almost a week to complete.

 

What are the differences between these two operations? Why does the Drive Wiper tool take so much longer if they are doing the same thing?

[Andavari]

Drive Wiper automatically enables the options for clearing out entries in the MFT, whereas in Wipe Free Space they have to be manually enabled by the user.

 

Do some reading on the forums, that 35 pass wipe is completely unnecessary, outdated, and nostalgic - 1 pass will suffice. Also if you're using Wipe Free Space/Drive Wiper too much you run the risk of wearing out your hard disk early/prematurely.

Edited April 1, 2014 by Andavari

[cadleo]

I have the options to clean out the MFT and wipe alternate data streams and cluster tips checked. As far as i can see, they are both running the same operation.

 

So why does the Drive Wiper take so much longer?

[DennisD]

When I select "Cleaner > Windows > Advanced > Wipe Free Space > Run Cleaner" 

 

 

 

Is that the only box you are checking, as that box is a secondary check for the WFS option within "Option\Settings".

 

No WFS is taking place unless you have a drive or drives selected on the "Options\Settings" page.

 

You mention MFT and wipe alternate data streams etc, but you don't mention the drive checkboxes.

 

Just a thought.

[Augeas]

So why does the Drive Wiper take so much longer?

 

I've no idea. Do the same time variants apply when you use one pass overwrite?

[cadleo]

Yes, I have the

 

Is that the only box you are checking, as that box is a secondary check for the WFS option within "Option\Settings".

 

No WFS is taking place unless you have a drive or drives selected on the "Options\Settings" page.

 

You mention MFT and wipe alternate data streams etc, but you don't mention the drive checkboxes.

 

Just a thought.

 

Yes I have the drive checked as well.

 

_______

 

When I choose a 1 pass wipe, the times are the same at 5 hours, but if I choose more than 1 pass, the Drive Wiper takes considerably longer.

 

 

 

Can anyone explain why it takes so much longer when using the Drive Wiper tool?

[Augeas]

I have to admit to brain fade in post number 5.

 

WFS in Options/Settings performs a one-pass of zeroes. There is no facility for selecting a different number of passes (for which I am completely grateful). Drive Wiper does have this facility, and this is why - when multiple passes are selected - it takes longer.

 

In case you ask, the multiple overwrite options above WFS in Options/Settings apply to Secure File Deletion, and Drive Wiper options do not apply to the WFS process in Options/Settings.

 

Stick to one pass, multiple passes are an abomination.

[cadleo]

I have to admit to brain fade in post number 5.

 

WFS in Options/Settings performs a one-pass of zeroes. There is no facility for selecting a different number of passes (for which I am completely grateful). Drive Wiper does have this facility, and this is why - when multiple passes are selected - it takes longer.

 

In case you ask, the multiple overwrite options above WFS in Options/Settings apply to Secure File Deletion, and Drive Wiper options do not apply to the WFS process in Options/Settings.

 

Stick to one pass, multiple passes are an abomination.

If it always does a one-pass when using the Cleaner, then why is there an option under Options > Settings to select more than one-pass and after the Cleaner runs, why does it also state that it did more than one-pass if you select that option?

[Augeas]

If it always does a one-pass when using the Cleaner, then why is there an option under Options > Settings to select more than one-pass?

 

For the reasons set out in para 3 of my previous post, which you kindly quoted.

 

 

After the Cleaner runs, why does it also state that it did more than one-pass if you select that option?

 

It doesn't, it says Secure File Deletion enabled.... (x passes). Depending on your other selections, CC will run secure deletion on what files you've selected for deletion, not WFS.