How to Completely Wipe a Computer Locked by Security
In today’s digital age, computer security is of paramount importance. However, sometimes, you may find yourself locked out of your computer due to security measures. Whether it’s a forgotten password, a system lockout, or a virus, it can be frustrating to lose access to your valuable data. The good news is that there are ways to completely wipe a computer locked by security. In this article, we will guide you through the process of erasing your computer’s data and starting fresh.
1. Boot from a Live CD or USB Drive
The first step in completely wiping a computer locked by security is to boot from a live CD or USB drive. This will allow you to bypass the locked operating system and access the computer’s hardware. To do this, follow these steps:
a. Obtain a live CD or USB drive that is compatible with your computer’s hardware.
b. Insert the live CD or USB drive into your computer.
c. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS settings by pressing the designated key (such as F2, F10, or Delete) during the boot process.
d. In the BIOS settings, change the boot order to prioritize the CD or USB drive.
e. Save the changes and exit the BIOS.
f. Your computer will now boot from the live CD or USB drive, providing you with a temporary operating system.
2. Use a Disk Wiping Tool
Once you have access to your computer using the live CD or USB drive, you can use a disk wiping tool to completely erase your data. Here are some popular disk wiping tools you can use:
a. DBAN (Darik’s Boot and Nuke): This free disk wiping tool is widely used and offers various wiping methods, including the U.S. Department of Defense 5220.22-M standard.
b. Parted Magic: This live CD includes a disk wiping tool called “Secure Erase,” which can be used to wipe an entire hard drive or specific partitions.
c. CCleaner: While primarily a system cleaner, CCleaner also offers a disk wiping feature that can be used to erase data from a locked computer.
To use a disk wiping tool, follow these steps:
a. Launch the disk wiping tool from the live CD or USB drive.
b. Select the drive you want to wipe (e.g., the main hard drive or a specific partition).
c. Choose the wiping method you prefer (e.g., U.S. Department of Defense 5220.22-M standard).
d. Start the wiping process and wait for it to complete.
3. Verify the Wiping Process
After the disk wiping process is complete, it’s crucial to verify that your data has been successfully erased. You can do this by booting up your computer with the original operating system and attempting to access your data. If you can’t access the data, it means the wiping process was successful.
4. Reinstall the Operating System
Now that your computer’s data has been completely wiped, you can reinstall the operating system. This will allow you to start fresh and ensure that your computer is secure and functioning properly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to reinstall the operating system on your computer.
In conclusion, completely wiping a computer locked by security is a multi-step process that involves booting from a live CD or USB drive, using a disk wiping tool, verifying the wiping process, and reinstalling the operating system. By following these steps, you can regain access to your computer and ensure that your data is secure and protected.
