[Hue]

Some cleaning software programs I see claim that windows does not really delete files in the recycle bin when you "empty trash," but rather it moves the files, or the ramains of them, to an area on the hardrive you can't acess. Is this the case?

Hue

 

[joe2cool]

Hi !

A common misconception is that the data is actually removed from the hard drive (erased) when you delete a file. Any time that a file is deleted on a hard drive, it is not erased. Instead, the tiny bit of information that points to the location of the file on the hard drive is erased. This pointer, along with other pointers for every folder and file on the hard drive, is saved in a section near the beginning of the hard drive and is used by the operating system to compile the directory tree structure. By erasing the pointer file, the actual file becomes invisible to the operating system. Eventually, the hard drive will write new data over the area where the old file is located.

Could also use

'Sure Delete'

Sure Delete ensures that it's done right. Rather than simply deleting file references on your computer, the program actually destroys the data itself.

http://www.wizard-industries.com/sdel.html

 

[Hue]

joe,

thanks for this bit of info and for the link to sure-delete. i have downloaded it. there is no help function. can you give me a primer on how to get started? is there a way to find and delete the "free space" that's already been created by emptying the recycle bin over the past few weeks? or is it too late for trying to find a delete those files?

thank you,
Hue

 

[joe2cool]

Your're welcome !

I've used 'Sure Delete' for quite a while & is straight forward

I'am still using version 5 & the help section will be within your start menu & programs.

is there a way to find and delete the "free space" that's already been created by emptying the recycle bin over the past few weeks? or is it too late for trying to find a delete those files?

Yes.....within programs click on 'SD Disk'

Any other problems let me know

 

[Hue]

Joe,

Thank you. One more question. When I open SD and then select "Add File" or "Add Folder" I cannot get the Recycle Bin to show up anywhere in the browse window... I would like to clean the contents of that folder.

Hue

 

[joe2cool]

Sorry won't show up when you browse............you'll get into an habit of deleting files when required using 'Sure Delete'

Check capacity of harddrive before using 'SD Disk' & after, should notice a difference !

 

[Hue]

Joe,

I think I'm getting it now To be sure: I need to first open SD, find the files and folders I want to delete and bring then into SD... there'a no way to select files to send to SD (like you do with the Recycle Bin), without first opening up SD. Right?

Thank you!
Hue

 

[Squashman]

Might want to try UltraWipe or Eraser. They are pretty easy to use.

 

[Hue]

Is UltraWipe compatible with XP? It doesn't list XP as on OS, and Ultrawipe seems to have last been updated in 2001.

Hue

 

[joe2cool]

Originally posted by Hue:
Joe,

I think I'm getting it now To be sure: I need to first open SD, find the files and folders I want to delete and bring then into SD... there'a no way to select files to send to SD (like you do with the Recycle Bin), without first opening up SD. Right?

Thank you!
Hue

Hi again .........firstly no there isn't a way to send files first !

If its files for deletion just click on 'Sure delete' icon or select 'SD File' from start menu

There you have a choice of ' Quick Wipe, department of defence method, or super secure

If you want to clear disc space click on 'SD Disc'

Choose which drive & follow instructions & choices !!