Note: This document applies to DBAN version 1. Prior versions are obsolete.
Q: How do I make a bootable CD with the ISO file?
A: Download the ISO file to your desktop and double-click it.
If nothing happens when you double-click the ISO file, then you must obtain CD burning software, like one of these products:
(Unix users can just use the cdrecord command.)
Q: I used DBAN and my C drive disappeared. Why did this happen?
A: DBAN erases the partition table, which causes all drive letters to disappear.
Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows 2003 will automatically create a partition during installation.
Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows ME might require that you use the FDISK program on the startup media to "create a primary DOS partition", which you must also format.
A:\> fdisk
A:\> format c:
Q: I have a laptop computer. Why does DBAN hang when it tries to detect the floppy?
A: The laptop computer is not connected to the docking station or to the external floppy drive.
Disable the floppy driver at the boot prompt with this command:
boot: dban floppy=0,16,cmos
Alternatively, disable the floppy drive in the BIOS configuration.
The fdutils documentation has a summary of linux floppy driver command line options.
Q: I have a new Intel motherboard. Why is DBAN slow?
A: The exact reason is unknown as of 2003-08-02.
Users have been reporting performance problems with Intel motherboards manufactured in the last four months, specifically those with the Springdale chipset. A fix is not currently available, but the problem will likely be resolved with a driver update.
Q: I have an Adaptec AIC-7902 SCSI host controller. Why doesn't DBAN detect the disks in the RAID array?
A: DBAN cannot detect individual disks when host controller is in HostRaid mode.
Reboot the computer, enter the SCSI bios setup, and temporarily disable HostRaid mode.
Q: Can I rebrand DBAN?
A: Yes, DBAN can be rebranded for a small fee. Contact me for details.
Q: Can I wipe just one partition or disk?
A: Yes. Use DBAN version 1 or later.
Q: Is it supposed to take that much time?
A: Yes.
This forum post briefly discusses the issue.
Q: I get this dialog when I try to install DBAN:
A: Click ignore.
You are probably running a virus scanner, like Norton AV, that traps floppy disk access.
Q: What is the difference between the DBAN image in the ZIP file and in the ISO file?
A: There is no difference.
The mkisofs utility is used to generate the ISO file directly from the contents of the ZIP file. The IMG file is booted from the cdrom with floppy disk emulation.
Q: Does DBAN wipe the empty spaces between files?
A: Yes.
Q: Does DBAN wipe the swap file?
A: Yes.
Q: Does DBAN wipe the registry?
A: Yes.
Q: Does DBAN wipe the index.dat file??
A: Yes.
Q: Does DBAN wipe the NTFS metadata?
A: Yes.
Q: Will DBAN work properly if my BIOS is is old or broken?
A: Yes.
DBAN will still work properly if your BIOS does not detect all of the hard disks in your computer, or if your BIOS has disk size limitations.
DBAN is not subject to any DOS limitations because DBAN is based on Linux.
Q: Will DBAN work with my offboard IDE or IDE-RAID controller?
A: Yes.
Q: Are you absolutely sure that DBAN works properly?
A: No.
There are several situations in which a DBAN failure could go unnoticed:
If you are seriously concerned about any of these situations, then consider drilling open your hard disk, grinding down the platters, and melting all of the parts in a furnace.
DBAN is "good enough" for "most people".
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