The Intel® SSD Toolbox User's Guide states that when running Secure Erase after replugging the SSD's data cable and clicking Refresh, the Secure Erase can be launched. However, even if the system BIOS is set to AHCI, the following error may occur: "ATA Security is enabled. Secure Erase cannot run until security is disabled."

To resolve the issue, ensure that Intel® Rapid Storage Technology (Intel® RST) is installed in the system. Secure Erase may not launch even if it is set to AHCI:

1. Install Intel® Rapid Storage Technology (Intel® RST).
2. On Windows 7*, Click Start select Run then launch Services by typing services.msc and clicking on the Enter button.
3. Change Intel® Rapid Storage Technology settings from Automatic (delay) to Automatic.
4. Reboot the system.
5. You should be able to run Secure Erase on the Intel SSD Toolbox now, and have a faster refresh rate when replugging the SSD.

Disclaimer

Operating System:

Windows XP Professional x64 Edition*, Windows XP(Longhorn Beta 1)*, Windows Vista(Beta 1)*, Windows Vista 64*, Windows Vista Starter, 32-bit version*, Windows Vista Home Basic, 32-bit version*, Windows Vista Home Premium, 32-bit version*, Windows Vista Business, 32-bit version*, Windows Vista Enterprise, 32-bit version*, Windows Vista Ultimate, 32-bit version*, Windows Vista(RC2)*, Windows Vista Home Basic, 64-bit version*, Windows Vista Home Premium, 64-bit version*, Windows Vista Business, 64-bit version*, Windows Vista Enterprise, 64-bit version*, Windows Vista Ultimate, 64-bit version*, Windows Vista *, Windows Vista 32*, Windows XP Starter Edition*, Windows 7 *, Windows 7 (32-bit)*, Windows 7 (64-bit)*, Windows 7 Enterprise, 32-bit version*, Windows 7 Enterprise, 64-bit version*, Windows 7 Home Basic, 32-bit version*, Windows 7 Home Basic, 64-bit version*, Windows 7 Home Premium, 32-bit version*, Windows 7 Home Premium, 64-bit version*, Windows 7 Professional, 32-bit version*, Windows 7 Professional, 64-bit version*, Windows 7 Starter Edition*, Windows 7 Ultimate, 32-bit version*, Windows 7 Ultimate, 64-bit version*, Windows 7(RC1, 32-bit)*, Windows 7(RC1, 64-bit)*, Windows XP *, Windows 8*, Windows 8, 32-bit*, Windows 8, 64-bit*, Windows XP 64-Bit Edition*, Windows XP Professional*, Windows XP Home Edition*, Windows XP Tablet PC Edition*, Windows XP Media Center Edition*, Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2003*

This applies to:

Intel® SSD 310 Series (40GB, mSATA 3Gb/s, 34nm, MLC) Intel® SSD 310 Series (80GB, mSATA 3Gb/s, 34nm, MLC) Intel® SSD 320 Series (120GB, 2.5in SATA 3Gb/s, 25nm, MLC) Intel® SSD 320 Series (160GB, 1.8in microSATA 3Gb/s, 25nm, MLC) Intel® SSD 320 Series (160GB, 2.5in SATA 3Gb/s, 25nm, MLC) Intel® SSD 320 Series (300GB, 1.8in microSATA 3Gb/s, 25nm, MLC) Intel® SSD 320 Series (300GB, 2.5in SATA 3Gb/s, 25nm, MLC) Intel® SSD 320 Series (40GB, 2.5in SATA 3Gb/s, 25nm, MLC) Intel® SSD 320 Series (600GB, 2.5in SATA 3Gb/s, 25nm, MLC) Intel® SSD 320 Series (80GB, 1.8in microSATA 3Gb/s, 25nm, MLC) Intel® SSD 320 Series (80GB, 2.5in SATA 3Gb/s, 25nm, MLC) Intel® SSD 330 Series (120GB, SATA 6Gb/s, 25nm, MLC) Intel® SSD 330 Series (180GB, SATA 6Gb/s, 25nm, MLC) Intel® SSD 330 Series (240GB, SATA 6Gb/s, 25nm, MLC) Intel® SSD 330 Series (60GB, SATA 6Gb/s, 25nm, MLC) Intel® SSD 335 Series (240GB, 2.5in SATA 6Gb/s, 20nm, MLC) Intel® SSD 510 Series (120GB, 2.5in SATA 6Gb/s, 34nm, MLC) Intel® SSD 510 Series (250GB, 2.5in SATA 6Gb/s, 34nm, MLC) Intel® SSD X18-M Series (160GB, 1.8in microSATA 3Gb/s, 34nm, MLC) Intel® SSD X18-M Series (80GB, 1.8in microSATA 3Gb/s, 34nm, MLC) Intel® SSD X25-E Series (32GB, 2.5in SATA 3Gb/s, 50nm, SLC) Intel® SSD X25-E Series (64GB, 2.5in SATA 3Gb/s, 50nm, SLC) Intel® SSD X25-M Series (120GB, 2.5in SATA 3Gb/s, 34nm, MLC) Intel® SSD X25-M Series (160GB, 2.5in SATA 3Gb/s, 34nm, MLC) Intel® SSD X25-M Series (80GB, 2.5in SATA 3Gb/s, 34nm, MLC) Intel® SSD X25-V Series (40GB, 2.5in SATA 3Gb/s, 34nm, MLC)