Removing files from your computer permanently is not an easy task as it might seem at first glance. When a file is deleted, the record about it in the file table is deleted. Clusters marked as empty can be read using special programs. How can you achieve complete data erasure?
It is necessary
Eraser
Instructions
Step 1
Determine the files to be removed. It should be remembered that some categories of files may be required for certain jobs. Assess the likelihood that the files you want to delete will be used and make your final decision.
Step 2
Collect all files to be deleted in one folder. This step is optional, but allows you to rethink if you want to delete the selected files and folders.
Step 3
Call the context menu by right-clicking on the created folder and select the "Delete" command. This action will move the folder with the files to be deleted to the "Trash".
Step 4
Call the service menu by right-clicking on the "Trash" icon and select the "Empty Trash" command.
Step 5
Format the selected disk for the next step of data erasure. This method is more reliable than simply deleting files through the "Recycle Bin", since the address tables of the disk are erased. However, a computer wizard will be able to recover most of the information that was on the disk before it was formatted.
Step 6
Use the disk erase method. This new secure technology ensures that data, including personalized computer programs, is irreversibly formatted. In this case, the following algorithm of actions is used:
- zeroing - replaces data with zeros;
- Replacement of data with pseudo-random numbers, allowing to hide the fact of data deletion;
- data replacement with data from a special table. The data is overwritten 3-7 times.
- P. Gutman's algorithm (replacing data with numbers from a special table. Data is rewritten up to 35 times);
- B. Schneier's algorithm.
Step 7
Download and install the free Ersaer shredder to permanently delete files and folders.
Step 8
Right-click on the file to be deleted to bring up the context menu.
Step 9
Please note that a new item has appeared in the menu - Eraser, which has two sub-items: Erase (delete now) and Erase on restart (delete at computer startup).
Step 10
Bring up the context menu of the required disk and use the Erase unused space item to erase free space on the disk.
