Hello PBL,
There are several ways to completely and securely erase all of the information of a solid state drive, a couple of which may be accomplished using the built-in tools provided in Windows*.
1. http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/solid-state-drives/000006011.html Three Ways To Run Low-Level Format Using Intel® Software Tools.
2. http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/solid-state-drives/000022179.html Secure Erase with Microsoft* DiskPart.
3. http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/solid-state-drives/000006198.html Run a Low-Level Format on Intel® Solid State Drives (using third party tools).
A quick format done through Windows* sets up an empty file system on the disk and installs a boot sector. The full format in Windows* does the same as a quick format and scans the whole disk for defects.
A low-level format queries each cell to see if it has been written to, and then writes a zero to the cell. This type of format can also be called a secure erase, zeroing the drive, or flushing the drive.
Note: Any links provided for third party tools or sites are offered for your convenience and should not be viewed as an endorsement by Intel® of the content, products, or services offered there. We do not offer support for any third party tool mentioned here.
We hope this information helps. Please let us know if you have any more questions.
Best regards,
Carlos A.
