Files deleted before win 7 bitlocker encryption can they be recovered?


  1. Moustafa1967
    Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       New #1

    Files deleted before win 7 bitlocker encryption can they be recovered?


    Hi everyone I am new to this forum. I have a question:
    1. I had some confidential data stored on a partition that is not encrypted.
    2. I decided to give away my computer to charity so I deleted this confidential data using a simple delete in Windows 7.
    3. After that I formatted the whole hard disk and then turned on BitLocker and encrypted the whole drive and then gave away the PC to charity without using a disk wiper program .

    My questions is: Is it possible for anybody to recover those deleted files using a data recovery program? I understand that when you do a simple file delete only the address of the data is deleted but not the data itself. If I encrypt the drive, files deleted before encryption do they get encrypted because they are not really deleted?
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  3. Layback Bear
    Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       New #2

    Welcome to our forum Moustafa1967

    To answer your question.
    I don't know because I have never tried.

    Anything needing encryption, in my opinion needs to be removed when the hard drive is going to be use by another.

    Kari has a tutorial I think will meet your needs.

    Windows 7 Installation - Prepare PC to be Sold
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  4. RolandJS
    Posts : 2,774
    Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
       New #3

    I suspect your deleted files will soon be over-written. I doubt anyone buying from either Goodwill or Salvation Army will have the software and skills and desire to attempt any level of folder/file recovery.
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  6. Layback Bear
    Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       New #4

    I have no knowledge of what people using Goodwill or Salvation Army stores have for desires or knowledge. So if it was my drive I would wipe it or throw it away after destroying it.

    I use Salvation Army Thrift Stores and I'm quite sure if I had the desire I would find the knowledge to get into the drive, if possible.

    One never know who is shopping where.
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  7. RolandJS
    Posts : 2,774
    Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
       New #5

    LayBack Bear, you're right, however, the odds are still in the thread starter's favor; and since the computer has been donated already, the only solution I see: Either borrow it back and do a DBAN on the hard-drive, or, buy it back and do DBAN on HD and re-donate back.
    Last edited by RolandJS; 28 Aug 2016 at 07:01.
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