COMPLETELY get rid of files

[ice]

Ok, there are some [ahem] files I want to get rid of on my computer. I don't want ANY trace of them at all. However, I don't want to re-install XP to get rid of them. What do I do? I've heard that they can be recovered after being deleted from the Recycle Bin. I deleted them, emptied recycle bin, and then emptied Norton Protected Files. Are they GONE, or are their still traces?

[Steve]

Eraser (http://www.heidi.ie/eraser/default.php) works pretty good.

[gwallen4]

When a file is deleted (from the recycle bin) its name is erased from the disk directory and the physical space it occupied on the hard disk is deallocated in the file allocation table (FAT).

However, the actual recorded bytes still exist on the HD medium until they are erased or overwritten by another file. Data retrieval software may be used after the file is deleted to reorganize the recorded bytes back into the original file although it takes some expertise to do so.

If you don't want your wife to find it, just empty the deleted file out of the recycle bin. If you don't want the FBI to find it, more severe steps are in order.

You could backup the hard disk, zero out the drive (some people use several cycles of writing random data and zeroing to make sure), then repartition, reformat, and restore your data.

Edit: Or you could use Eraser like Steve recommended while I was still writing my note.

[Paleo Pete]

For the average home user - if you don't need serious file wiping, like something you don't want the FBI or Bill Gates to find - you can delete the files from Recycle Bin then run scandisk and defrag. That makes it very difficult for the casual user to recover anything, and if you have Norton System Works or McAffee Nuts and Bolts both have pretty good file cleaning appplications, then there's third party applications like the ones already mentioned.

[PrntRhd]

Spybot 1.2 has a file shredder section inside too. It shreds the files but good, just cut and paste or drop and drag files into the window and hit a button to shred them.
:D

[tommy]

PrntRhd: I have Spybot 1.2 but do not see any shredder option. All I show is "check all", "recovery" and "search for updates". Where is shredder hiding?

[Sylvander]

ERASER works better than pretty good.

I'd say it's just the thing for this job.
[You can overwrite up to 25 times I think and specify the number yourself]
Plus it's a great supplement to the "Delete" function.

You can "Erase" the contents of the Recycle bin [I wish it didn't say "Erase the Recycle Bin" when it really means the contents].
You can "Erase" all the unused space on the HDD [including the unused space within all file clusters].

You can make a floppy that when booted from and given the OK will erase ALL the contents' of ALL the HDD's connected.

I find it useful to [temporarily] "Delete" an object [file(s)/folder(s) etc].
Then try another in its place and if that is no good "Erase" and restore the original(s) from the Recycle bin.

[PrntRhd]

I have Spybot 1.2 but do not see any shredder option. All I show is "check all", "recovery" and "search for updates". Where is shredder hiding?

Tommy, it is in tools on the left, top column "secure shredder".
:)

[tommy]

PrntRhd:

At the top I have only "file", "language" and "help". No TOOLS! Nor is tools in any of those drop down menus. Strange.:confused:

I definitely have 1.2 and SpyBotSD.exe properties shows version 1.2.0.8 with a length of 2,982,400 bytes, created 10-11-2002 and modified 03-16-2003.

Should I uninstall and start over?

[PrntRhd]

tools on the left side in advanced mode

[Paul Komski]

If you are running in easy mode and want to get to advanced mode, either create a new shortcut to the original SpyBotSD.exe file or remove the /easymode switch from the end of the line in whichever shortcut you are using to open spybot. RClick on the icon and choose properties to find it.

Once in Advanced mode you can configure the settings submenu of the settings menu to create startup icons in your start menu for one or both or neither modes.

[tommy]

PAUL:

Here is my shortcut target:
"C:\INet\PROG\SPYBOT\Spybot - S&D\SpyBotSD.exe"
so I apparently am not running in easymode. Also, I tried executing directly from windows explorer and got the same results. Have checked the several spybot .ini files but no clue there.

Is there an "advanced" switch to force advanced mode?

Any other ideas?

[Sylvander]

I have Spybot with "Secure Shredder" in the "Tools" section on the left.
"Secure Shredder Tool" is listed, and explained, in the help facility.

But I'd much rather use "Eraser".
There's no dragging & dropping from one window to another.
All the work can be done in Explorer.
Just right-click on an object and, from the context menu, select either "Delete" [to send to the Recycle Bin], or "Erase" to eliminate irrecoverably.
If you right-click on a HDD or FDD you can "Erase unused space".
You can even erase a CD-RW disk provided it is set to overwrite only once. It's explained in the help file.
It will also erase:
Compressed files, Compressed drives & Encrypted files.

[Paul Komski]

If you want all the SpyBot preferences to show up perhaps the only way is to try uninstalling and reinstalling.