On Thu, Sep 30, 2010 at 12:34 AM, Jason Hsu, embedded engineer, Linux user <jhsu802701 at jasonhsu.com> wrote: > I've heard that some hard drives contain hidden partitions that Darik's Boot And Nuke cannot erase. Supposedly, law enforcement requires manufacturers to include the hidden partition so that the criminals cannot erase their tracks. Only law enforcement has the special software needed to access the hidden partition. > > Is this true? I find this difficult to believe. I don't think this setup would work. I can't imagine how law enforcement could prevent such a tool from falling into the wrong hands, as it would only require one rogue cop to give the software to the criminals. Given this, the criminals would be able to access passwords, credit card information, etc. from all hard drives, even those erased with Darik's Boot And Nuke. > > Is this just an urban legend? I call BS. Hidden partitions are used by manufacturers to provide built-in recovery systems, so you can re-install Windows without the CDs, but they're only hidden from Windows - DBAN can see them just fine. - Tony Yarusso