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

[Moustafa1967]

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?

 

[Layback Bear]

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.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/197255-windows-7-installation-prepare-pc-sold.html

 

[RolandJS]

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.

 

[Layback Bear]

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.

 

[RolandJS]

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.