Deleting files

[Jeff]

Is there a way to actually delete files from the system(totally gone-not
just hidden on the hard-drive) other than using 3rd party software?

 

[Andy]

define "totally gone", are you talking about wiping a hard drive
completely clean of ALL data (suggested when you donate or sell your
computer to prevent people from recovering your files) or are you
talking about a simple delete (as in selecting file and hit delete?)

 

[Jeff]

Not wiping off the harddrive completely;but truly deleting select files
without having to use search;then delete. The "recycle"bin does not really
delete files when you empty it.They are still on the hard-drive;which is
very misleading to average user's like myself. So I guess I'm asking if
there is a way in XP to delete select files without using 3rd party software
to "scrub"?

 

[Andy]

Windows does not have a built in "eraser" that permanently deletes
files, to "permanently" delete the files you will need a program which
writes over the newly freed space repeatly a random pattern for a few
passes. There are 3rd party software out there (many of which are free
thanks to GNU public licences, search for it) that first "scrub" your
existing free space with random patterns, then monitor the space to see
if files are deleted. When it senses new space has been freed up,
it'll come in and scrub the newly freed space.

 

[null2006]

Go to zdnet.com and search for the utility Eraser - it is free and when you
right-click a file to select 'delete', select 'erase' instead, and it'll wipe
the file clean off the drive.

 

[Jeff]

Thanks,I'll try it.

Go to zdnet.com and search for the utility Eraser - it is free and when
you
right-click a file to select 'delete', select 'erase' instead, and it'll
wipe
the file clean off the drive.

 

[Guest]

hey jeff
i remember crossing something like this the other day when reading up and ur
suppost to go in and clean out ur chache i dont recall what all the help file
said but i found it in glossary on the computer check it out

 

[Jeff]

under recycle bin-or-deleting files?

hey jeff
i remember crossing something like this the other day when reading up and
ur
suppost to go in and clean out ur chache i dont recall what all the help
file
said but i found it in glossary on the computer check it out

 

[Guest]

i think i crossed it under 'chache' or 'cache'
let me know if u locate it if not il try to find it for u maybe u can help
me too im having font - icon - and mouse troubles once u have ur problem
fixed if u can or want to give any info to the above for the love of god let
me know haha

 

[Jeff]

yup no problem -if ya want - here's my e-mail (e-mail address removed)
Jeff