Deleted Files

[Don Soriano]

There seemed to be a lingering question regarding the
best, safest and permanent ways to delete files from HDs.
I understand that by simply deleting files, that the
files were simply re-written over. If I fsdisk and
reformat an HD with files in it, is there any existing
technology that could essentially still extract those
files?

DonS

 

[Nictu]

There is a program called gdisk. It really deletes data.

 

[Plato]

I understand that by simply deleting files, that the
files were simply re-written over. If I fsdisk and

Actually that's not the case. The file remains until its written over
later on.

reformat an HD with files in it, is there any existing
technology that could essentially still extract those
files?

True, fdisk wont write over files either. It simple makes them
unavaiable to average users.

 

[Edward]

When a file is deleted in the normal way, it only gives up its space on your
hardrive. If... and it's a big 'if'... your disk fills up, the space is then
used and the file is verwritten. This can take months or may never happen at
all. Especially these days with huge harddrives. Files can remain
recoverable for years.

If you want to permanently remove all evidence, you will need a special
programme. There are plenty available. I suggest you go to Google and enter
"delete files permanently".

Good luck,

Ed