Hi! How do u completely delete files from ur computer so that they can never be traced or seen again?

Question

I already emptied out my recycle bin but can't you still find the files somewhere? I want to be able to completely delete these files from my computer so that they can never be traced or seen again. What are the steps you have to take to get rid of them? I have a PC with Windows XP.

Answer 1

It is possible to retrive the deleted files to from recycle bin is because the binary data of that file is still written on the disk but just the address of the file is deleted. To remove it completely you have to write either 0s or 1s on the disk and destroy the file's data from there. The easiest way is to use a safe deleter software. I have found one of the most fine is the "System Mechanic 3.7i". There is a option in there. You can also use "TuneUp Utilities". I think it should do your work, if you want to write a program yourself then you have to have some knowladge in assembly.

Answer 2

First of all, what are you hiding from? After you delete them from your hard drive and empty out the recycle bin, it takes a pretty good deal of expertise to recover them. FBI, NSA, you know, those kind of experts.

If you truly want to make sure that NO ONE EVER sees those files again. Follow these steps.

1. Format the drive.
2. Remove any partitions on the drive.
3. Use a utility to securely wipe the drive.
4. Run the drive past an industrial strength magnet 25 times
5. Place the drive in a smelter and liquify it.
6. Finally, put it in the payload of an Atlas V rocket and launch it towards the sun.

The last two steps are a bit extreme, but it ensures complete deletion of any remaining data.

Answer 3

You need to get a special program that will go out to your Hard Disk (HD) and erase (completely) the file that you want deleted... because...

On the HD the first letter of the file name is just overwritten with a code stating that the file area is free to use again (or meaning that the file is deleted when in fact all that has changed is that ONE character space.

To make matters worse.. if the file is one that you have edited over and over.. there will be fragments of it in several places on the HD... which can be recovered also by anyone that can read the data from various sectors on a HD. (there are several disk editors available to do this)

You could just De-frag your HD regularly, or encrypt the files you save and this will help some.

I would suggest that you learn a bit more about how a Hard Disk stores information and have a look yourself (don't change anything unless you KNOW positively what you are doing.. or you can destroy your HD's usefullness)

Answer 4

To completely remove files and programs you no longer need I would suggest that you first save the files you need to keep on a CD or DVD. You should always have a backup disk of your work. Make sure you have access to all of your program disks then reformat your computer. This wipes your hard drive completely. Now you just re-enter all your programs and files. This is an excellent way of cleaning out your hard drive and starting over from new.

Answer 5

If you consider this strongly about her, you are going to must inform her. Else you become regretting now not telling and with a purpose to harm much more. You probably have strong emotions for her, that you could inform them to her. It is horrifying, however you ought to do it on your own sake. Overlook facebook and Twitter and emails and texts. You have got to inform your emotions in character. Pick the proper time when nobody else is close, and neither of you must be busy. Consider forward what you would like to say (however do not sound rehearsed). Try to be calm and as relaxed as possible. You already know if you will under no circumstances see her again in two days (in case you say nothing) you'll no longer lose something by way of telling her your feelings. Which you can simplest win. Excellent good fortune!!!!

Answer 6

Well, instead of using the normal delete which is by pressing the delete key or dragging them to recycle bin, press [SHIFT+DEL]instead... no one will care about that deleted file anyway unless that file deals with an Atomic Bomb that will be dropped to the US.

SHIFT+DEL will delete that file permanently.

Answer 7

If you consider this strongly approximately her, you're going to need to inform her. Else you become regretting now not telling and with the intention to harm much more. If you may have powerful emotions for her, you'll inform them to her. It is frightening, however you ought to do it on your possess sake. Forget Facebook and Twitter and emails and texts. You ought to inform your emotions in character. Pick the correct time while no person else is close, and neither of you must be busy. Think forward what you could like to mention (however do not sound rehearsed). Try to be calm and as at ease as feasible. You recognise if you're going to in no way see her once more in 2 days (for those who say not anything) you're going to now not lose something by way of telling her your emotions. You can best win. Good good fortune!!!!

Answer 8

Hehe. Now what is it you don't want anyone to see? Never mind. Thanks for the two points. I wish i could tell you. Try this though: If you have already deleted it and it was in your Recycling Bin and you cleared that then I think you're home free.

Answer 9

go to top of internet and click on tools. then click on internet options. there click delete cookies. wait till cursor comes back. the click delete files. pop up bok comes. click on delete all offline content too. then u might have to delete from recycle bin again.

Answer 10

If you want to completely hose your hard drive you need to use a program called delpart, but it wipes everything out!!! Search download.com for single file deletion utilities that claim to completely erase all remnants. These programs do exist.