OK, first off i don't want to hear the usual, "go to tools - options - delete w/e..." or "delete program folders from C: and unhide folders"...
So lately i'v been using progams like Advanced SystemCare, Glary Utilities, and CCleaner, that apparently do it all, removes everything and makes my comp faster... sounds good, but then today i ran into two programs: VirtualLab Client and Pandora Recovery, both of them showed me that i am able to recover what is saved by my browser and my computer... i never knew that what i deleted was able to be recovered, i don't like that... i'm not say this because i'm secretly a porn perv because i'm not.., but because when i remove something from my computer, i want it gone... anyone know a way to do such thing? thanks..
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Perm Deleting Recoverable Files (History, Files, etc)
10th Aug 2010
Answers (5)
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File Shredder Utility
For a working computer, your only option is a file shredder utility.
There are several out there, but as I have never used one, I cannot make a specific recommendation. The best of these work like the secure format utilities and write a pattern of one's and zero's over the sectors used by the files.
When disposing of a computer, you may need or desire a higher level of file deletion. Then, you either want to physically destroy the platter of the drive, or use a DoD certified utility to write multiple data patterns to the drive.
Chas
There are several out there, but as I have never used one, I cannot make a specific recommendation. The best of these work like the secure format utilities and write a pattern of one's and zero's over the sectors used by the files.
When disposing of a computer, you may need or desire a higher level of file deletion. Then, you either want to physically destroy the platter of the drive, or use a DoD certified utility to write multiple data patterns to the drive.
Chas
10th Aug 2010
0
Votes
My first reaction is...
What is so sensitive in your history that MUST be shredded? Your options are like TheChas said, File Shredders.
CCleaner has one that will wipe the free space on the drive.
PGP makes one that can shred files by right clicking them and choosing wipe. It also can shred free space.
If you want to wipe the whole drive (including OS and ALL data) use a program like DBAN http://www.dban.org
CCleaner has one that will wipe the free space on the drive.
PGP makes one that can shred files by right clicking them and choosing wipe. It also can shred free space.
If you want to wipe the whole drive (including OS and ALL data) use a program like DBAN http://www.dban.org
10th Aug 2010
0
Votes
Try Heidi Eraser
Hi
theres an app called Heidi eraser that does government and other standard wipes for files , folders, etc
goto www.eraser.heidi.ie
let me know if this helps
theres an app called Heidi eraser that does government and other standard wipes for files , folders, etc
goto www.eraser.heidi.ie
let me know if this helps
Updated - 10th Aug 2010
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Votes
Truecrypt?
I believe at least earlier versions of truecrypt had this functionality in the tools menu. Just tried to verify on their site, but couldn't find it there.
But be careful, if you use NTFS or any other journaling file system, then this can be a bit tricky.
Suggestion: Keep sensitive data in an encrypted storage (and make sure that this encryptee storage resides on a not journaling file system. FAT32 is fine, for instance.
Edit: I just downloaded latest version of TrueCrypt for Windows. Couldn't find any command to securely delete files. But it's still a good tool to contain your sensitive data in the future.
But be careful, if you use NTFS or any other journaling file system, then this can be a bit tricky.
Suggestion: Keep sensitive data in an encrypted storage (and make sure that this encryptee storage resides on a not journaling file system. FAT32 is fine, for instance.
Edit: I just downloaded latest version of TrueCrypt for Windows. Couldn't find any command to securely delete files. But it's still a good tool to contain your sensitive data in the future.
Updated - 10th Aug 2010
0
Votes
did any of these suggestions help you?
Please let us know if any of these suggestions helped you
12th Aug 2010
Replies
Thanks for all of your help guys. Every program i did find helped it their own way, now i have utilities to remove files and folders permanently and even though they did remove about 90% of what i wanted, that's good enough for me, thanks again 
Truecrypt was a bit confusing but i'll get it, i would assume either Heidi Eraser or one of the file shredders did the job.. wouldn't know cause i used them both back to back....
Truecrypt was a bit confusing but i'll get it, i would assume either Heidi Eraser or one of the file shredders did the job.. wouldn't know cause i used them both back to back....
Edgam20@...
13th Aug 2010
If you mount a virtual volume through Truecrypt, and use this to store the types of files you're concerned with, then the question about secure wiping won't reappear to often. Because: If you don't have the file header and password to mount the TC volume, then it's only "noise". 
Read carefully about TC. If you're going to install it on others computers, then you better first set it up with a registered password and backup the file headers for yourself securely. After that you change the password and hand the solution to the user.
When they forget the password, you'll just restore the stored file header (and change password again...)
And, if your files are VERY sensitive, then you should read the chapter about stealth storage! It's a beatiful solution!
Read carefully about TC. If you're going to install it on others computers, then you better first set it up with a registered password and backup the file headers for yourself securely. After that you change the password and hand the solution to the user.
When they forget the password, you'll just restore the stored file header (and change password again...)
And, if your files are VERY sensitive, then you should read the chapter about stealth storage! It's a beatiful solution!
TobiF
13th Aug 2010
yeah, i guess i'll do some reading on it because i don't want to use something i'm not 100% comfortable with, it might be to complex for my understanding.. well thanks again, i appreciate the help, very useful and interesting.
Edgam20@...
14th Aug 2010
