How to permanently erase formerly deleted files ?

Question

I have deleted many files on my PC until today, but I know that they are not totally erased and still recoverable, even after formatting.

I need a free program that will find these formerly deleted files and ERASE THEM PERMANENTLY without any trace.

Do you know of any?

P.S. I don't need a file shredder etc. that can erase an undeleted file permanently. I need a program that finds the files that have been deleted before, and destroys all traces.

Answer 1

Use Eraser. It's a free download--I've used it for years.http://www.download.com/1200-2018-5179031.html?tag=pdl-redir

Answer 2

Although Defragmentation will make most files unrecoverable, there are still programs like Gibson Research Spinrite that can read individual segments and potentially find sensitive text.

If this is a recurring problem I would get two computers. You can buy used PCs on Craigslist for $150.

And I would buy two extra hard drives. Install Drive D #1 in the main computer, save data onto that drive. Move DriveD #1 into the 2nd PC and install DriveD #2 in the main work PC.

The idea is that you always do new work on a recently formatted hard disk. Swap D drives with the other PC. REFORMAT the 2nd drive on the 2nd PC.

You can buy used 100GB hard disks for $50. My solution would cost you $150 for a 2nd PC and $100 for 2 more hard disks.

There are file and directory encryption methods that could add more security. Starting with Microsoft XP you encrypt a folder with a few clicks.

Secure? By itself it is a serious obstacle but certainly not uncrackable. You should look at PGP (pretty good privacy) to encrypt the folders. THEN also use the reformat process.

One more detail. Change the Path in your Environment Variables for the TEMP folders to put the temporary data on the 2nd hard disk. You can also relocate the MY DOCUMENTS user profile to the alternate drive.

Answer 3

You will have to perform a secure delete using third party software. If you dont perform a secure delete your information can easily be un-deleted using a recovery program. This is the only method that is endorsed by the US Department of Defense computer hard disk santization standards. This works by encrypting, deleting and overwriting the data. These action reduced the deleted info into garbage code that cannot be salvage. The page below will show you how. You are right file shredding is not an effective form of permanent deletion. If you are searching a program that will delete all files and encrypt and delete your free space. The page also has a review of software like evidence eraser.
http://www.delete-computer-history.com/secure-file-deletion.html

Answer 4

No matter what any software company tells you that they can erase 100% files from your HDD, there is no truth in what they are telling you. Even if they cliam that the "Gutman", technique, used by the defense dept. will clean your disk this is not true.

Any forensic computer expert can strip the data off your disk. There are only two way to prevent data being retrieved off your HDD. 1). Take your HDD out of your pc and beat it with a hammer. 2). Take your HDD, out if you are going to sell your pc. Let the buyer purchase their own HDD.

Myself I am required to keep the data on my HDD by law. So I place the HDD, drive in my home safe, should I need to replace with a new HDD.

Minddoctor,
France

Answer 5

Hi. I understand you don't want a shredder, etc.

I just ran across this product while researching info about another question. I've never used it myself, but it says this:

"You can permanently delete all of your already deleted files so they become completely unrecoverable by any software."

http://www.revouninstaller.com/

Answer 6

I don't know a program can do this,but u can try sdelete or ace utilities,the first one is free and can wipe the hard disk or the free space on your hard disk.

Answer 7

There will always be traces of data on that drive, try to format the drive more than once..