A standard format does the same thing. It erases the file system but leaves the underlying data intact.
Windows 7 was a beloved operating system, but with Microsoft ending extended support years ago, many users are finally retiring their old Windows 7 machines. If you have an old PC or laptop collecting dust, you might be planning to sell, donate, or recycle it.
DBAN will overwrite every sector of your hard drive with random data. A 500GB drive takes 4–8 hours. A 1TB drive can take 10+ hours.
and press Enter.
Use free software like Rufus (on a Windows PC) or balenaEtcher (on Mac). Point Rufus to the DBAN ISO and write it to your USB drive.
Back up anything you need (documents, photos, etc.).
Select the unallocated space, click New , then Format .
Insert your Windows 7 installation DVD or USB drive. Restart the PC.