how do i delete stuff off my pc for good?

Question

when i delete files and emails are they gone or are they still in the memory somewhere

Answer 1

Do a "system recovery" These instructions, will clean everything off of your hard drive, so you must back up anything that you want to save. I have done this several times, and I got these instructions, from a computer tech. When starting your computer, tap the F-10 key. click on next-yes-and follow the instructions, that come up on your screen. When you are finished, your computer, will look just like it did, when you first bought it.Do these steps, in order, when finished.
1. set up windows firewall
2. windows update (click express)
3. install your anti-virus program (update)
4. install anti-spyware (update)
This is called a "system recovery

Answer 2

Don't u believe it for 1 min - these file deletation business!!

Deleting files in Windows simply means that the files are no longer referenced to by the Windows filing system. They still exist on your HDD in its raw state, ready to be retrieved using Data Recovery software. Files can also be retrieved even after the HDD is reformatted!

This can prove embrassing or compromising if you decide to sell your PC next time! Safer way to sell your PC is without the HDD!

The only way to really delete files is use a "File Shredder" software like Active@ZDelete. There are also other Freeware similar software to do this. They delete files by writing random data over the part of the HDD where those files resides. These process make the data unreadable next time, even when using Data Recovery Software.

Other software include:
1. Mutilate Files Wiper
2. Files Assurity
3. Asmw Shred Files

Mostly sharewares but u can download "free" ones too (nudge, nudge) from www.ddl2.com

Files on your PC will be securely erased this way. If you are using Hotmail or Yahoo Mail, those files exist on those revelant server computers, not on your PC (unless u resave them to your PC).

Answer 3

When you delete a file, it moves to the recycle bin. If you empty the recycke bin, or delete a file out of it, it is gone. Would take an expert with special software to recover it.

If you do not want a file to go into the recycle bin when you delete it, hold down the shift key when deleting it.

E-mail is a differnet issue. As it is considered to be data inside of another program (your e-mail program), it may or may not be moved to a recycle bin within the program. Depends on the program. Once deleted from the e-mail programs recycle bin, it is gone for good. If no recycle bin (or Deleted files folders) then when you delete it, it is gone.

Answer 4

Well, the truth is nothing on a computer is deleted forever but the closest you'll get is if you format the hard disk. To do this:

Boot with a floppy disk to a command prompt > ensure the directory is set to C:/ (or whatever drive/partition you are trying to format) > type 'FORMAT' > follow the on-screen instructions until you have successfully completed the formatting.

Hope this helped,

Redmondinator

Answer 5

emails are never deleted they are just removed from your view. they stay in the server until they decide to wipe it clean.

files on your computer aren't deleted unless you download a tool (which can easily be found by the way to completely wipe out data)

or else you can also run a tool that usually goes for hours to recover deleted data - even when formatted. I've done this lots of times too. C.S.I style huh?

Answer 6

McAfee Quickclean is what I use to pernamently delete files. It doesn't leave any remnants, so it's ok. But slow.

When you delete applications and programs, the idea is to defrag the pc or disk cleanup it. After that, there could be the registry entry left, you may want to download Registry Mechanic from http://www.download.com to fix the unneeded registry error, you may delete it manually, but it is risky.

Good luck

Answer 7

Has nothing to do with your defrag program ! Bits and pieces of deleted files always remain. But you can buy a program that will search,find and delete unwanted files.

Answer 8

Hey there,
The first thing to do to speed up pc and get rid of malwares and viruses is cleaning the registry with a program like CCLeaner http://bit.ly/UrAtkq
Give it a try.
I hope it helps

Answer 9

Nothing can ever be deleted on a computer- unless you reboot the computer.
That means putting in the start discs, and starting your computer over from scratch, just like when you first bought it.

Answer 10

They are always somewhere to be found. That is why when getting rid of your system for whatever reason, burn your hard drive. I would never trade in my old system for that reason..http://www.ccleaner.com is a good tool, but will never completely erase what has already been on your hard drive..