I've been informed that, even if I clear my pc's history and delete temporary history files and cookies, there may still be hidden files kicking about my computer? If this is so, how do you locate these or delete them? Is there a program I can use, or can i do this manually (beaing in mind I'm not mega PC literate!)
Thanks x
2006-09-18 00:53:30 · 8 answers · asked by mingnut 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
When you delete a file, it doesn't actually disapear off the hard drive. The file is still there, but the hard drive regards that space as empty. Also, some sensitive data is stored in the registry and (possibly if not updated) the pagefile. To be honest, to recover such data is quite a chore and needs someone very PC literate to do so, so unless your PC is being used by an IT expert, I wouldn't worry about it. Just assume that deleting TEMP files, COOKIES and HISTORY data is good enough. If you're that worried, there are programs that claim to remove all traces of information on your PC. I don't bother with these. Too risky.
2006-09-18 00:57:32 · answer #1 · answered by Charlie Brigante 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there are softwares called file shredders. If you search at the web site download.com with the keyword "file shredder" you will see a list of many such programs. Read the reviews and choose one to download, and install on your computer. The way it works is instead of normal deteting it overwrites each file for a number of specified times, so that the file becomes unreadable.
2006-09-18 08:05:02 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends what you deem as sensitive? Most files can be recovered even once the recycle bin (if using Windows) has been emptied. You can get programs that completely wipe all traces of the file off the hard disk, I think McAfee did one which they called a 'shredder'. Some files you will not be able to get rid of, as your system probably needs them to operate.
2006-09-18 07:59:18 · answer #3 · answered by Strangers_Wrath 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing is really ever deleted from a Computer, its deleted from Active areas- but its still on the hard drive- Want to find them, Download, Google Desktop Search- its free- once DL- type a hint in Search window, select Desktop, (you can also search web) make sure you select Desktop.
2006-09-18 07:57:48 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Manually doing this is very time consuming.
You can use a software for this purpose.
download Window Washer Trial here :-
http://www.webroot.com/shoppingcart/tryme.php?bjpc=4060&vcode=DT01
This program is very powerful and effective.Unfortunately it's not free. But it does it's job very well.
Hope this works.
Good Luck !!
2006-09-18 08:34:11 · answer #5 · answered by Everything_Is_Planned 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would not advise using any programmes to erase data especially ccleaner they can erase needed files automatically which i've found out to my cost.You should erase files manually but only if you know what your doing......you can use free McAfee file shredder but you could still delete files you'll need for some programs to work properly...
2006-09-18 08:09:27 · answer #6 · answered by mev 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a software like window washer or some others that will completely erase your hard drive with format.
2006-09-18 07:57:39 · answer #7 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a great program that will do exactly what you want:
http://www.download.com/CCleaner/3000-2144_4-10547048.html?tag=lst-0-1
2006-09-18 07:58:44 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋