Secure data deletion for Array Candidate pdisks that are formatted to RAID block size

Use this information to erase data from Array Candidate physical disks (pdisk) that are formatted to a block size that is compatible with SAS RAID.

About this task

To erase data from Array Candidate pdisks that are formatted to a RAID block size, reformat the Array Candidate pdisks. For more information about the block size that is compatible with SAS RAID, see Preparing disks for use in SAS disk arrays. In addition to zeroing the data, for disks that support the self-encrypting drive (SED) standards a crypto Erase command must be run before formatting the disk.

To reformat Array Candidate pdisks that are formatted to a RAID block size that is compatible with SAS RAID, complete the following steps:

Procedure

  1. Start the IBM® SAS Disk Array Manager by following the steps in Using the Disk Array Manager.
  2. Select Diagnostics and Recovery Options > Format Physical Disk Media (pdisk).
  3. Select the appropriate controller.
  4. Select the Array Candidate pdisks that you want to reformat.
    Attention: Continuing with this option formats the Array Candidate pdisks. All data on the Array Candidate pdisks will be lost.

    A message is displayed asking if you want to continue.

  5. To proceed with formatting the Array Candidate pdisks, select OK or press Enter to continue.
    To return to the previous menu without formatting the Array Candidate pdisks, select Cancel.

Results

After the Array Candidate disks are formatted, the Array Candidate pdisks are zeroed Array Candidate pdisks. All data that was on the Array Candidate pdisks is erased and replaced with zeros.