Ubuntu 11.04 [Natty Narwhal] - Crashes, freezes and load failure

[X-13]

I'm currently using a 11.04 live disk to wipe hard drives, which takes ages... [sudo shred -vfz -n 10 /dev/sda]

 

 

But I keep running across problems with it and need a bit of advice.

 

When it boots, and has a network connection, it freezes and randomly restarts. But not all the time and not instantly.

 

Plus, while it's loading it fails to load fallback graphics devices. [i'm guessing this isn't that important... I can still see what's happening, just not with the new interface... which is sooooooo nice.]

 

 

Is there anything I can do to make it stop dying?

 

 

To be honest, it isn't that big of a problem. But if I have to sit here watching it shred the HDD I may as well play about with it.

[CJF]

We use dban for that sort of magic.

[jinnantonnixx]

You could try using PenDriveLinux to make a USB-bootable version of Ubuntu. You can use a casper persistent file to keep your settings.

Boot and run Linux from a USB flash memory stick | USB Pen Drive Linux

 

I think (and I haven't tried this) that you can stop the services which might be crashing. Of course, I may be completely wrong. It will boot must faster from USB than CD.

 

If you want a multi-boot pendrive, you can use Yumi. YUMI - Multiboot USB Creator (Windows) | USB Pen Drive Linux

 

I must say though, that I've found Ubuntu to be extrememly reliable on my laptop, but I did need to choose the more recent nvidia driver.

Edited June 30, 2011 by jinnantonnixx

[X-13]

How long does it take to run dban? This takes about 3 hours and because of that, and the fact we have quite a few computers to wipe, I'm getting overtime.

[jinnantonnixx]

I'm currently using a 11.04 live disk to wipe hard drives, which takes ages... [sudo shred -vfz -n 10 /dev/sda]

 

 

You're using 10 passes for shred. One pass should do the trick.

[X-13]

I mentioned that.

 

But someone heard that the US DoD used 7... and wanted us to take data destruction even more seriously.

[bossman]

@X-13:

 

Where are these computers going?

 

If they are being recycled by a legit company then they should be offering the data wiping service for free along with the WEEE certification.

 

If not then the best way is take a hammer to the HDD, quicker and cheaper, I know my school wouldn't pay overtime for DATA wiping when it isn't necessary.

 

I cannot see the need unless they are going out of the school which would then be a revert to hammer tactics, job done

 

Always weigh the HDDs in for scrap also, more money to the school.

 

Double winner

[X-13]

@bossman : I have no idea where the computers are going. There was talk at one point of them being sold.

 

Or they may be going to other schools with no funds for ICT.

 

 

Either way, I've been told to wipe them.

 

Plus, overtime is always welcomed.

[tommej]

I don't think you're taking your wiping seriously enough.

 

This should do it.