Way I can remove data permanantly

[The Red Guy]

Is there any way to do so other than using some software to do it? (Seems that when you empty recycle bin, it isn't really deleted, but renamed and stored somewhere hidden on the hard disk) And what is disk defragmentation for? Thanks for help.

[conkermaniac]

Well, this is how I understand defragmentation. Different parts of files get split up sometimes, or in other words, fragmented. This slows down the computer, as it has to search through the database and put together all the fragmented pieces, like a puzzle. So when you defragment the disk, the computer puts together all the fragmented files, making your computer faster. Be warned...this process generally takes a long time. If you're using Windows, the computer will tell you whether it is recommended whether you do a defragment or not.

[tandoc]

defrag using Norton SpeedDisk
and permanently delete files by formatting OR using Norton File Eraser or something like that

[The Red Guy]

Originally posted by tandoc
defrag using Norton SpeedDisk
and permanently delete files by formatting OR using Norton File Eraser or something like that Are there any software for me to format my hard disk?

[tandoc]

partition magic
or if you have partitions on ur HDD - format them partition by partition using Windoze

[The Red Guy]

Would I lose my data?

[Jan]

Originally posted by The Red Guy
Would I lose my data?
If you format, you will most certainly lose your data.

If all the stuff from my recycle bin was renamed and stored in hidden files, I would have no space left on my hard drive :eek:

One way to check is to keep an eye on the disk space before and after you empty the recycle bin. Make sure you have a heap in the recycle bin first though.

[The Red Guy]

Originally posted by Jan

If you format, you will most certainly lose your data.

If all the stuff from my recycle bin was renamed and stored in hidden files, I would have no space left on my hard drive :eek:

One way to check is to keep an eye on the disk space before and after you empty the recycle bin. Make sure you have a heap in the recycle bin first though. That's what an article published here said.

[trenzterra]

Originally posted by The Red Guy
That's what an article published here said. you'll never know unless you check it yourself.

[Daniel]

Originally posted by Jan

If you format, you will most certainly lose your data.

If all the stuff from my recycle bin was renamed and stored in hidden files, I would have no space left on my hard drive :eek:


It is hidden, no files ever get "really" deleted. They're just compressed to the max and stored somewhere in DOS.

[Dean]

i think there just hidden to be overwritten by new data... windows knows there deleted and entruprates it as free space

[GregT]

i empty my recycle bin and i have 5gigs more space,

[The Red Guy]

So, is it true or not?

[tandoc]

just get Norton File Eraser or what ever it is

[The Red Guy]

Originally posted by tandoc
just get Norton File Eraser or what ever it is Thanks, but once I tried to do it. It was fine starting but there was this once I restarted the pc when it was erasing the hard disk slack (or whatever) and the disk was spoilt. Is it a coincidence or problem?

[GregT]

there are formaters that will wipe ur disk and write 0 over bunches of times

[Jan]

There are a few file erasers on this page if you are so worried about it, but I don't see why you are so concerned. Are you a Government spy or something? :p

http://www.infosyssec.org/infosyssec/secdow1.htm

[Ben]

This was recommended by The Screen Savers (or was it Call For Help?) of the TV station "TechTV" (channel 209 in the Atlanta Area, requires AT&T Digital Cable + Sports and Info bonus pack)

http://www.sourceforge.net/projects/eraser