Permanent File Deletion

[pintail]

Short of using fdisk, how can I permanently delete files so that they can not be recovered? I understand that even if you delete a file and empty the wastebasket, the file may still exist somewhere and can be recovered.

 

[diogenes10]

thread751-553222

 

[pintail]

Thanks diogenes10. Will writing "0s" only delete a file or the entire disk? I do not want to eliminate the OS or all files, just certain ones.

 

[edemiere]

pintail

Or use something like WipeInfo from the Norton Utilities Suite, which uses DoD secure wipe for info.

I use it anytime I delete anything to ensure whatever it might be is in fact, gone.

There might be some free tools available, I haven't looked as I am and always have been an avid Norton user.

Cheers!

 

[pintail]

Always good to get a second opinion, thanks edemiere!

 

[wolluf]

Free 'shredder' here -

http://www.topshareware.com/East-Tec-File-Shredder-moreurls-471.htm

(I haven't used it).

 

[diogenes10]

I run win98 and use the file shredder in McAfee utilities 4.0. It gives me the option to shred deleted files, file slack, or the entire drive. I'm not familiar with the specifics of the other products mentioned.

You could check out the freeware mentioned, or you can probably come up with a norton utilities fairly inexpensively on the online auctions.