Applies to: All editions; some settings require Pro or higher
Per-device configuration
Every selected device has its own three-stage settings. Different devices in the same job can use different methods and health assessments, provided that each combination is permitted by the licence and hardware.
Pre-erasure settings
- SMART Health Check: attempts to collect device identity, SMART status, and available health information before erasure.
- Fail Job on SMART Failure: prevents that device from continuing to the erasure stage when the pre-erasure SMART assessment fails or reports an unacceptable condition.
Both options are available in all editions. SMART availability depends on the device and controller path.
Erasure settings
- Sanitization Approach: Overwrite Based, Firmware Based, or Firmware + Fallback.
- Overwrite Method: the profile used for host-driven logical writes.
- Firmware-Based Method: the compatible device command selected for the device type.
- Potential Compliance: an informational indication of the outcome that may be possible when the method, device, coverage, and evidence satisfy all required conditions.
DriveErase Standard edition permits only Overwrite Based. Pro, Enterprise, and Audit also permit firmware methods and fallback.
Post-erasure settings
Disk Health Check selects the post-erasure assessment. Standard is limited to None. Pro and higher can select SMART tests, complete read scans, sampled write verification, performance analysis, and combined assessments.
Recommended defaults
For a normal controlled workflow:
- Keep the pre-erasure SMART assessment enabled;
- Keep Fail Job on SMART Failure enabled unless the approved procedure explicitly permits best-effort erasure of unhealthy devices;
- Use overwrite for HDD and USB/removable media;
- Use a supported firmware method with overwrite fallback for directly attached compatible SSD, NVMe, or SAS SSD devices;
- Select a post-erasure assessment proportionate to the device’s next use and the available maintenance window.
Configuration review
Before confirmation, compare the selected settings with the approved sanitization policy. Record exceptions in the chain-of-custody record. A method displayed as available is not automatically the correct method for the asset, data classification, or disposal route.