Delete a file permanent

[Johan Machielse]

Hi,

I want to delete a file in such a way so it's not possible anymore to
recover this file with some kind of recovery tool. I think I have to
possibilities:
- File.Delete()
- FileInfo.Delete()
The description of FileInfo.Delete() tells that it deletes files
permanently! Can I assume that this is the right method to delete files so
they can't be recovered, or is there a better way to do this?

Thank you in advance!

Regards,

Johan Machielse

 

[Andrew Faust]

Hi,

I want to delete a file in such a way so it's not possible anymore to
recover this file with some kind of recovery tool. I think I have to
possibilities:
- File.Delete()
- FileInfo.Delete()
The description of FileInfo.Delete() tells that it deletes files
permanently! Can I assume that this is the right method to delete files so
they can't be recovered, or is there a better way to do this?

If your goal truly is to make it un recoverable, then you'll need to take
extra steps. Deleting a file merely removes the link from the filesystem and
lets the system know it can reuse the space. However, it doesn't actually
delete the contents of the file. This means the data can be recovered.

To securely delete a file the traditional method is to overwrite every bit
in the file 1 or more times. After it's been overwritten you can then delete
it. At that point, even if it is recovered the contents are gone.

Andrew Faust