how do you clean computer hard drive so no can trace files?

Answer 1

Evidence Eliminator

http://www.evidenceeliminator.com/

Answer 2

There are two situations you need to observer:
1. You need to just to remove all traces of what you did. (Including but not limited to: file(s) deleted or created, history, cookies, internet downloaded file(s), registry entries, log entries etc.,
It's difficult. But, I will suggest the known solutions:
1. Stop System Monitoring by "System Restore" feature.
2. Remove cookies, internet downloaded files, history entries and also verify and remove favourites, bookmarks etc.,
3. Use search command to verify .log files and other file(s) you just created for fun and delete them. Also, delete whatever is un-necessary.
4. Use Drive clean-up on all the hard drives.
6. Run CheckDsk command and remove all *.chk files
7. Run Defragmentation
8. Remove disk paging (put 0 as size better. otherwise no paging) on all drives.
9. Again repeat steps: 4, 6, and 7
10. Compress the drives
11. Again repeat steps: 4, 6, and 7
12. Copy huge file(s) in GB's of junk till the hard disk is full and delete them.
13. Repeat the step 12 3-4 times.
This will give you most of the security from being traced.

If you just want the file(s) are not to be retirieved, then run chkdsk / scandisk several times and delete *.chk or so file(s) from the disk. And try copying several small and huge file(s) in a mixed GB's and delete them several times followed by disk defragmentations.

If you find it difficult do the above step on your own then get good software that can write 0's and 1's in the raw format direct to the disk.

But, some one can trace you've run that program.

2. If you don't want the contents of the disk, then try formatting 3-4 times by changing file systems. There are more than 100 file systems are available. Get a good linux CD you'll have plenty. You need to format the disk with completely different file system altogether each time.

But, do not try to format a compressed drive with different OS. Format the normally with the same OS or remove compressed drives first. Otherwise you'll loose either the whole or part of it. Most of the cases the disk can't be made bootable.

Performing low-level formatting and changing file systems 3-4 times can guarantee not being traced from any source to a greater extent.

But, remember no one is perfect in knowledge and can guarantee anything. Most security systems will also have some flaws and similary any activity to hide can be traced. It is only a knowledge game.

So, the best is not to get a situation where fear of being traced will hurt us.

Best of luck.

Answer 3

Formating alone will not erase all traces, there are some software programs out there that will write 1's and 0's over the drive multiple times. Some of these are free, I believe UBCD has a program on it for this. Do a search for "ultimate boot CD" it is a live cd. If you don't plan to use the drive again you can always take a large sledge hammer and smash it then throw the peices into a very hot fire lol.

Answer 4

Wipe programs will give you a running shot at clearing a drive so no one can trace the files...

But the only foolproof way is to destroy the drive or more particularly... destroy the platters.

A good electric drill with a metal capable bit... drill through the drive in several different areas... pop the case, remove the platters... put them in a vice... mangle them all to hell... use a drimel or other tool to gouge the sh*t out of them... chop them up in little pieces and distribute the pieces in several different locations...

or better yet, don't surf porn and try to hide the evidence.

Answer 5

you can still trace data after a reformat. the best way to do it is to get a drive wiping program, which writes 0s and 1s in specific algorithms across the disk. the process takes a long time (several hours), but afterward, the disk is not readable my most tracers.

if you can't go this route, format the drive (not a quick format) many times (6-7 times), as data can usually only be recovered after 1-2 formats.

for ultimate security, format the driver 3-4 times, run a magnet across it, and set it on fire. if you don't need the drive, don't take the risk

Answer 6

Download and run a program from a bootable dos floppy to overwrite the drive multiple times to Department of Defense standards. Yeah, they know what they're doing when they wipe a drive. A format just doesn't cut it. Here's one freeware;
http://www.snapfiles.com/get/killdisk.html

Of course a .30-.30 and an acetylene torch can make for an nice afternoon and then only god could get files off it.

Answer 7

the real answer is there is no way to delete files (no matter what you do) there is 1 exception you open it up smash all the platters and then melt it into one big chunk

the magnets work to a degree but if a professional wants it they can still get every single bit of data

/the DoD wipes all the software programs do not work at all big waste of money (scam)

low level formatting

scratching the platters

breaking the platters (just put them back together) and can read the data from a broken peice

now my answer with the breaking of the platters then melting them down is the ultimate answer noone will ever beable to read it cause its not there

Answer 8

I recommend DBan, it does a hard wipe of the drive... up to Department of Defense standards

Answer 9

Hold a magnet to it. There is always a way to find files. But, you'll never be able to use the harddrive again.

Answer 10

The only way to make sure is to fdisk the drive then reformat, then reinstall the operating system.