Erase X25M 80 GB SSD

[DSchr2]

I am trying to use the Intel SSD Toolbox (latest version) to erase an Intel X25M 80 GB SSD to restore to "factory-fresh" condition. I am told that I cannot. Please understand that I have set up a temporary Win 7 64 bit OS and Intel Toolbox on a traditional HDD. And I have attached only one of the SSD's to an open SATA port (AHCI).

In my ASUS Formula V BIOS, I have of course set all SATA ports to AHCI, not IDE or RAID. The Intel SSD I wish to erase/restore to factory fresh condition is NOT on SATA 1, nor set as a boot device.

Here's what I am told, and I kinda feel like an absolute rookie as a result.

I know this qualifies as a too-stupid-to-live question, but what should be so easy is not at all that.

Thanks,

IncurableGeek (@gmail.com)

[DSchr2]

So does this Anand article help?

http://www.anandtech.com/show/2865/2 http://www.anandtech.com/show/2865/2

Basically, the crux of the article is to Quick Format the SSD and let Trim do the rest.

Trust me I have tried every suggestion made by anyone anywhere - and the Intel Toolbox Does Not Work!

"If it is a Gen2 X25-M 34nm (silver case) all you would need to do is let Win7 trim the drive or run the SSD Optimizer found in the Toolbox to accomplish the same."

I did the following then:

1) Created a Partion in Disk Management and did a Quick Format

2) And then as BDS73 suggested (see above quoted lines)

And that will end my adventure for this week. I'm gonna RAID 0 these two X25M Ham Sandwiches, reinstall the OS and Programs and be done with it.

Thanks all.

[idata]

Unfortunately there are some systems out there that will not release Security Freeze Lock state when power cycled and yours appears to be one of them. THe Toolbox is doing what it is designed to do unfortunately your system is not releasing the lock state. In order to secure erase you will need to download a tool such as HDAT2 (http://www.hdat2.com/ http://www.hdat2.com/) and perform the secure erase in DOS.

[DSchr2]

BDS73, you have been a real stand-up guy and for that I applaud you.

Re" Unfortunately there are some systems out there that will not release Security Freeze Lock state when power cycled and yours appears to be one of them."

Yes sir, I was kind of catching on to that fact myself.

In order to secure erase you will need to download a tool such as HDAT2 (http://www.hdat2.com/ http://www.hdat2.com/) and perform the secure erase in DOS.

I do know of, in my having been all over the net looking for a solution, http://www.hdat2.com/ http://www.hdat2.com/.

My question is why do I need to do anything more than I stated in my last post:

"If it is a Gen2 X25-M 34nm (silver case) all you would need to do is let Win7 trim the drive or run the SSD Optimizer found in the Toolbox to accomplish the same."

I did the following then:

1) Created a Partion in Disk Management and did a Quick Format

2) And then as BDS73 suggested (see above quoted lines)

Should I not be OK with just doing these two things?

[idata]

16,April,2012

Re: Erase X25M 80GB SSD

I had the same problem. I'm using Intel DZ68BC motherboard and Intel 520 series 120GB SSD. After tryinf wahtecer suggestiions I could found. I ended up with the DOS level format solution.

[idata]

How are you performing a power cycle of that SSD, by restarting the PC? If so, that is not correct.

Have the side of the PC removed, or whatever you need to do to remove power from that SSD. With the PC on, and the Toolbox running, click Secure Erase. The message about power cycling the SSD will be displayed. At that point, remove power from the SSD ONLY by removing it's SATA power plug. Wait 15 seconds to be safe, and re-connect the power to the SSD. Then click to continue the process, and the Toolbox will display a message that it is rescanning, or something like that, and then it will perform the Secure Erase.

I've done that twice, primarily just to see it work, and on my oldest and first SSD, a 80GB G2. Worked fine for me.