How to erase already-deleted files I cannot find

nonstop5000 · 07 Oct 2015

On my computer, I know there are lots of files which I have deleted in the past. I don't know where their "remnants" are located, but I understand they can be located and un-deleted by professionals. From now on, in the future whenever I delete something and I want it gone forever, I am going to use permanent file eraser software. But for right now, I need a way to permanently erase any information on this computer which comes from a file that has already been deleted in the past. I don't know where those files are on the hard drive.

I also definitely don't want to reformat

the computer mainly because I don't have the discs for that.

cyberSAR · 07 Oct 2015

Wipe the free space with something like ccleaner

torchwood · 07 Oct 2015

None of the standard cleaners remove all remnants, especially the registry entries, they mostly uninstall/delete operating GUID's.
They leave behind the files, folders, task Manager, autoruns and registry entries, so unless you know EXACTLY what was installed during its original download, your running up against a brick wall.

Roy

Layback Bear · 07 Oct 2015

Unless on feel comfortable in the registry I would not be cleaning things up using the registry.
A normal format will not remove all the left overs either.
A wipe of the hard drive and then doing a format and install will clean up things.

Most things remove are really still on the drive just waiting to be over written. If they are not over written they still can be recovered with the proper knowledge and programs.

When I have a need to remove such things I use cyberSAR recommendation of Ccleaner Wiping Free Space.

Golden · 08 Oct 2015

nonstop5000 said:

But for right now, I need a way to permanently erase any information on this computer which comes from a file that has already been deleted in the past.

Easy....use the inbuilt Windows Cipher command line tool.

Cipher Command - Overwrite Deleted Data in Windows

Layback Bear · 08 Oct 2015

A great Tutorial Golden.
I learned something new and I like that.

mjf · 08 Oct 2015

Cipher command looks useful. Ccleaner used to give multiple overwrite options depending on how secure you want the clean.

mdd1963 · 08 Oct 2015

Glary Utilities has both a 'file shredder', and, a free space wiper; each will obliterate all chances of recovering anything with any any forensic/data recovery programs....

Any file can be right clicked, and the 'shred with Glary Utilities wiper' is an option, seemingly effectively skipping the recycle bin stage.

Adin · 10 Jul 2018

Hi,

Usually when you delete something from the computer then it can be easily recoverable with the help of professional data recovery software. However, if you delete any file from the system and then overwrite its space with any other file then recovery becomes impossible for any data recovery tool. Nevertheless, there are many data recovery companies who claim for the recovery. To get out from this data recovery fear it is recommended to use a file eraser software. I know some names of file eraser software such as Eraser tool, Bitraser for file, file shredder, etc. You can search on Google and will find a huge list of data eraser tools.

RolandJS · 13 Jul 2018

If you any wipe free space utility, I recommend not using the computer for that period of time; less chance of something going wrong.