July 08, 2017, 05:11 PM
Johnny 3eaglesKnowledgeable PC Hardware folks, a question.
I installed a Samsung SSD in my laptop. The laptop has outlived its usefulness.
The replacement, a Dell Inspiron 24-3459 "All-in-one" is approaching the end of the warranty.
I am going to pull the SSD from the laptop and replace the hard drive in the Dell.
How do I completely wipe the SSD prior to the install in the Dell? I was going to ask Hillary but....

July 08, 2017, 05:15 PM
bdavisIf the laptop works download
dbanJuly 08, 2017, 05:27 PM
smschulzJust have the OS reformat the drive during the initial install.
No need for any other software or complication.
July 08, 2017, 05:58 PM
dsietsIf you are re-using the drive, just reformat.
July 08, 2017, 06:34 PM
Johnny 3eaglesThank you. I'm assuming when I connect the SATA to USB cable to the SSD and PC, I'll get the reformat option. Hadn't thought about that.
July 08, 2017, 06:35 PM
JasonEucYou could also clone the AIO HDD to the SSD. Unless you wanted the fresh install.
July 08, 2017, 08:54 PM
snidera1. I would prefer a fresh install ( you will be able to format the SSD during install). Then you can plug the HDD in via USB & transfer any data. A windows .iso on a flash drive is quick & easy to install.
2. You could 'clone' the HDD to the SSD & then just swap the SSD into the laptop. I tend to nuke & pave windows ~ every 2 years, so I've never done this, swapping a drive is an opportunity to clean the junk off for me. EaseUS is the program I've heard recommended the most for free cloning. It's easier if the space used on the HDD is less than the capacity of the SSD. I've used macrium reflect (free) to 'clone' a fresh install to speed up the nuke & pave process, but never a HDD -> SSD swap.