How to securely wipe the eMMC memory of my HP Stream 13?

[Zenphic]

Hello,

I am planning on selling my HP Stream 13 device, but I would like to securely erase all data on the integrated eMMC storage.

How should I go about it? It is similar to what I would do with an HDD (overwriting) or an SSD? Thanks!

My device:

HP Stream 13 (13-c191nr)

https://support.hp.com/ie-en/product/HP-Stream-13-c100-Notebook-PC/8499341/document/c04923015

[CherylG]

Do a Reset on it-choosing to wipe all files:

https://support.hp.com/ie-en/product/hp-stream-13-c100-notebook-pc/8499341/document/c04742289

[Zenphic]

I heard that data could be retrieved with a simply format. Is the Reset feature secure against data retrieval? Thank you!

[kyle_b]

Using the Windows recovery utility would overwrite a lot of the data on the disk but probably not all depending on where it physically resides.  Some data could potentially be recovered by someone using the right tools.  You would need to use some specialized software to securely clean the disk, that is what Microsoft is recommending here.

It sounds like you are already familiar with this since you mentioned procedures for cleaning a HDD and SSD.  I would think the eMMC is similar to the SSD in this regard, are you hearing that it is not?

[Zenphic]

Hi kyle_b,

Thank you the reply. I've looked at the article by Microsoft and I wil consider using Active@ KillDisk.

I was reading here and there and I learned that SSD's support this sort of "reset" switch (called ATA Secure Erase) for securely erasing its content. Support for this command varies depending on the manufacturer. I suspect that eMMC memory  is similar to SSD's in this regard. Do you know if HP offers software for this purpose or I should feel safe that my data has been securely erased using Active@ KillDisk?

Thanks!

[CherylG · Accepted solution]

Using tools such as Active will certainly provide a more secure erase protecting against advanced tool someone might aqcuire to recover data. I assume you have a Recovery USB to reinstall Windows after erasing? The Stream would not be very useful to anyone without an OS or capability to install one.

[Zenphic]

Hi CherylG,

Thank you for the reply. This is reassuring.

I have made a backup when I first received the laptop and I will restore it. Thanks!

[Zenphic]

Hi all,

Just wanted to give you an update. I used Active@ KillDisk to wipe the memory. The free version allows for 1 pass overwite only.

I also tried using PartedMagic which has software to do to an Internal Secure Erase (best option for SSD's), but it did not support the memory of the HP Stream 13.

Thank you for all the help.

[kyle_b]

Thanks for the update, that is some useful information.