Recently I released the Disk Verifier Parted Magic Module Tutorial, and this is the second blog post and video combination in that series. This time around, I’m demonstrating how to create the Disk Verifier Live USB, and how to use this version of Disk Verifier.
The Video
The Writeup
Creating the Disk Verifier Live Disk
To start with, I should mention why one would use the live disk, or buy it as well as the Parted Magic module. When using the Parted Magic module, you have to verify disks at the same time as wiping them; it’s all integrated with Parted Magic’s Secure Erase GUI. When using the live disk, you can verify any pre-wiped drive. This also allows for drives that haven’t been wiped with zeros. For example, if you have a data erasing procedure in place, and it writes the pattern “FF” (all ones) instead, you can use the live disk to verify the wipe.
To begin with, you need to create the live media. You can burn the ISO to a CD or DVD using standard operating system tools, but the process is a bit more complicated when making a live USB. If you’re running Windows, you can use unetbootin or Rufus. macOS users can use unetbootin or Disk Utility. Finally, those who use Linux can use unetbootin, or DD. The process is much the same as creating the Parted Magic live USB, as shown here. You can purchase Disk Verifier here. Parted Magic can be purchased from their website (affiliate link - I earn commission for purchases made through this link).
Using the Disk Verifier Live Disk
Once the live disk has been created, all you need to do is get your computer to boot off of it. This is done by inserting the USB disk (or CD/DVD) and repeatedly pressing a special key (usually F12) when your system powers up. This should present you with a boot menu, from which you can select the optical drive or USB stick.
After that, you’ll see Disk Verifier’s boot menu, and usually you just need to select the “superquiet” boot option. If you have issues, contact me by email (hamishmb at live dot co dot uk), or join my support forum at http://www.hamishmb.com/forum.
Once booted, you will see GNOME Disks and Disk Verifier open. GNOME Disks can be used to find the device(s) you want to verify, and you can then add them to Disk Verifier’s list by inputting the device names. Then it’s simply a case of specifying the pattern and percentage to verify, and you’re good to go.
You can verify as many disks as you like at the same time. There’s also an indicator that sits next to each drive to tell you what’s happening. If it’s spinning, verification is in progress. Green indicates success, and red and blue indicated failure and user cancellation, respectively. Finally, I should note that all you need to do to shut down, is close Disk Verifier. You will be prompted to remove the CD/DVD, or the USB stick, and then the system will reboot.
Summary
Disk Verifier is a versatile tool, and it can be used in a few different ways, thanks to there being both a Parted Magic module and a live disk. I hope this tutorial has been useful for you. If you have any questions, drop me an email, or ask on the forum, and I will be happy to talk to you.
That’s it from me for now, but stay tuned, because I have a few posts queued up to be published soon!
