Hi, Hope this is the right spot for this. A question on permanently deleting files. I normally empty the recycle bin using Eraser. I also will delete files directly (no recycle bin) either using Eraser or the secure delete function of CryptoSuite. I run the TuneUp Utilities Undelete program and it found like 20,000 files that had been deleted. I ran CryptoSuites "Secure clean free space on drive C:" last night hoping that would delete all the files that the TuneUp Utilities Undelete program found. It did not. The files TuneUp found are from various locations including some I do not ever recall deleting from (see screen shot). How do I permanently delete all these files this or any other such program can find? I know Eraser has a "erase unused space" function but not sure if that will do what I am looking for. Anyone know of a program that will do the job? Thanks Logan
Hi, Yes it does but I want to permanently delete files that have ALREADY been deleted. If you look at my attachment you will see that I used TuneUp to search for "deleted files". You cannot use its Shredder feature to delete already deleted but still recoverable files. So that is why I am looking for something to do this. Thanks Logan
It was an interesting question Logan, I did not realise that one could not shred previously deleted files - that they must be shredded from the get go, or are recoverable. I took a look at Tune-Up's FAQ and apparently the only chance to do what you are wanting is via Defragging the hard disk - probably more often than you otherwise would. That action will spread the file\s fragments asunder, kind of like shrapnel I guess - not perfect, but you would need someone with a few forensic science degrees, plus the time and inclination of course,to recover such. I do Defrag. very often so I decided to try restoring deleted files to see if they were readable - there were a couple of million - yesterday's and today's deletions were ok but the rest were #^&@$*!>$ good luck forensics ! Regards.
Logan, In the meantime at www.Snapfiles.com if you wanted to hit Search for East-Tec Eraser 2005 - but read the one review - it seems the 2004 edition was superior - it's available at www.pcworld.com. At Snap's you could also see Mutilate File Wiper, both offer to do exactly what you require but both cost bullion - the first mentioned does kind of look like it means business but in light of Tune-Up's FAQ explanation I would consider the 'trials' just in case the road leads to tribulations via being shredless and bullionless. Regards.
Hi, Logan5 Are you using Norton's AV along with it's Protected Recycle Bin [or some name like that, I do not use Norton but read about similar problems and that the norton Bin has been the cause of quite a lot] by any chance. Take Care, TheQuest
TheQuest / MICRO Thanks fore the reply, I was at one time using Norton (system works- SW) and it's had it's Protected Recycle Bin function turned on for a short time while I used SW. But once I upgraded to XP SW would not work and caused a ton of problems on my PC (I think it was SW 2000 or 2003). MICRO - I will look at the two links you sent and try the one PC World mentioned. See how it works. And yes I always knew deleted files were recoverable. That is why I use Eraser or CryptoSuite (trial version at the moment) and do use them to delete most files. But running TuneUp I saw files that had been deleted that I myself never deleted. Again thanks, Logan
System Mechanic Pro has a find deleted files tool that finds and can terminate all found deleted files.I think the files still remain on your disk,only the reference to them has been deleted. Another utility within SMPro is system shield which has two modes.One does the same as the find deleted utility and the completely remove all traces mode overwrites all deleted files and freespace,takes a while to run though. There is a thirty day trial.