Pros
I have used the Autonuke feature on three different machines and all were a complete success.
Cons
None that I experienced.
Pros
None - could not download the product
Cons
No instructions on how to download to a DVD. Inserted the DBD, hit download, and receive unrecognizable popups. This is not simple, so it is not easy. But it has been some time since my last download, This was a royal pain, first I had to create an account. What for, more spam?
Summary
I had hoped for a better result. I guess it is time to go to the garage and get the hammer.
Pros
Free
Easy to use (once the CD is properly created: see below)
Problems using the software are adequately covered in the FAQs and blogs associated with the DBAN site
Cons
This is not obvious at first glance --> for proper transfer of ISO file to CD, the (free) software CDburnerXP is actually required. I cannot emphasize this enough. Other options for burning appear to work (and the opening screens of DBAN load and look as expected) but the system hangs up after 'autonuke' or similar options are applied.
Summary
Thank you Darik!
Pros
It is a small dos based system that will run and install on even older computers.
Easy to use and walks you through the configuration.
Cons
It is only intended for entire disk wipes, it does not let you do file specific deletions.
Pros
Wipes the drive
Free
Cons
Autonuke would not work, said there were non fatal errors. Had to resort to a D.O.D. option.
Took over 8 hours to wipe a 320 GB HD.
Tough to get it to a CD/DVD. Several failed attempts.
Summary
Hey, it's free so not much to complain about. If your drive has some issues, as I suspect mine did, it will take a LONG time to get the drive wiped. Don't know if the issues the drive had were related to Autonuke not working.
Pros
Easy. What's hard about autonuke?
Cons
I had no problems.
Summary
It's a great program. I use it with little issues, nothing a hammer won't fix. And the price they charge you, who can complain?
Pros
Easy, automatic
Cons
It took a little time to figure out I had to use the right software to burn the bootup disk. I first tried using Sonic to create the DVD, but that didn't work as the computer didn't recognize it when I tried to bootup with it. Only after I used the recommended CDBurnerXP software was the DVD created properly such that it would work.
Summary
A very thorough disk wiping program if you give it the few hours it takes to work properly.
Pros
Wiped drive clean (it appears). Many options for doing so.
Cons
Can't cancel once it's started. Because it's not intuitive and somewhat difficult to figure out what one wants to do, one can inadvertently can set this up to run for days. It will stop if the PC is turned off, but if the PC is dicey to begin with, one may be reluctant to try this step.
Summary
It does what it's supposed to and it's free, but it's not user-friendly.
Pros
Very easy to install on the boot CD or DVD. You are cautioned more than once that once started, you cannot undo the drive wipe. Yes, I agree, a kindergartener could do it!
I needed this in a rush, returning a dead laptop with a good, but old hard drive. Worked perfectly.
Cons
None. It's free for gosh sakes!
Summary
I highly recommend this simple, great software.
Pros
I used it yesterday, it's easy. Choose autonuke or hit enter and select the drives or partitions you want to wipe.
Cons
Took about 4 hours for the default which was 1 round with 3 passes to wipe a 160GB hard drive, and about 2 hours for an 80GB drive. The minimalist interface does not lend itself to explanations of all the options.
Summary
It takes as long as it takes. Try to arrange it so that after you start it you can go away and do something else while it works.
Updated on Aug 28, 2012
Please review: Darik's Boot and Nuke for CD and DVD 2.2.6 beta from CNET
It still does what it does, it hasn't changed, and I haven't changed my mind. Why are you asking me to update my review.
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