No security options when erasing disk?

[mrdm]

I would like to zero-out all data and re-install Lion on my Macbook Air.

After booting into recovery mode and running disk util - it seems that I can only "erase" the flash drive. The "security options" button which is normally used to zero out the disk is greyed out.

Any clues? I'm wondering if this is due to the way TRIM works when writing to a flash drive and it is no longer needed.

Any help appreciated.

 

[DieterRams]

I saw the same thing last night, the Security Options button was greyed out. Anyone know what's going on and how to do this? I am returning the MBA today and desperately need to zero out the drive!

 

[0dev]

Try and get a hold of an older OS X disk you can use to wipe the disk. I'm not sure why it isn't working in the Lion installer, I've not heard anything about it not being included and the button itself is still there so it's not like they've removed the feature altogether.

 

[DieterRams]

But how would I get the Air to recognize the disc? Obviously there's no optical drive, so does the wireless optical drive hijack thing work when you reboot the machine? I've already erased (without secure erase) and reinstalled Lion so I can't get into the system without creating a user account again.

 

[0dev]

You would have to use an external disk drive.

 

[DieterRams]

Hm.. no option for that now. I guess I'm out of luck, I've got to return the machine today and I'm at work currently with no external drive.

Is there any reason why the secure erase is greyed out? Perhaps it's not necessary and a regular erase is as good? Anyone know? I've tried searching for an answer and can't find a concrete one.

 

[0dev]

If you're booting into the Lion installer from the included partition on your hard drive, that could be why.