Your computer is old, and you want to sell it so you can get a new one. Your computer, on the other hand, is crowded with bank account information, scanned copies of your driver’s licence, birth certificate, and other personal information. Even though you’shift deleted’ the files, you know the data is still on your hard drive; it’s just hidden from the operating system.
How Do I Delete Files Permanently So They Can’t Be Recovered?
But don’t worry; every problem has a solution. This article will walk you through many practical techniques for permanently deleting files that cannot be retrieved (available on Windows).
Can the Recycle Bin delete files permanently and render them unrecoverable?
When you remove a file in Windows, it is moved to a designated hard disc sector and hidden from the operating system. Even after emptying the Recycle Bin, there is still a chance of data recovery if no new data is written on the sectors containing the deleted files.
However, the chances of retrieving erased files are little to none if particular sectors of the hard drive are overwritten with fresh data. However, data recovery software such as Terminator software can rebuild erased files.
As a result, most computer users want to know how to delete data permanently so they can’t be restored. This process is easy to follow. If you’re getting rid of a computer, an external hard drive, or a USB stick, read on to learn how to permanently remove files on a PC or laptop without retaining your data.
Get Reliable File Shredder Software to Permanently Delete Files That Cannot Be Restored.
To remove files from your computer without recovery, you must wipe and delete it. Data that has been permanently wiped cannot be retrieved in this manner. Although Windows does not offer a built-in programme for checking and wiping your hard drive for deleted information, there is a wide range of third-party applications available for this purpose.
Terminator software for Windows 11/10/8/7 has a «File Shredder» utility that permanently deletes all disc data. It can help you remove all of the data and partitions on your hard drive by providing solutions that meet the DoD 5220.22-M Wiping Standard.
Many basic and complex hard disc management functions are supported by Terminator software, including:
1. Shred one or more files at once.
2. Shred a folder or several files at once.
3. Allow for the removal of exceptionally huge files and directories from Windows or external storage devices.
4. The ability to successfully remove all sorts of files and directories.
5. Compatibility with all storage devices.
Using Terminator software, you may permanently delete files that cannot be recovered. BitWiper
Terminator software is a strong tool for erasing sensitive data. It is difficult to recover lost files with this programme since the utility overwrites the deleted files on particular hard drive sectors. You may use this programme to solve your «how to permanently delete files so they can’t be recovered» problem.
Step 1: Open Terminator software and select the «File Shredder» option.
Step 2: Click «Add Files» to choose which files to shred, or drag files, documents, photos, audio files, and so on into the centre area.
Step 3: Select the files you want to shred again and click «Shred» to confirm.
Step 4: The programme will quickly shred all of the files you have selected. When it’s finished, click the «Done» button.
How to Prevent Important Files from Being Erased
Remember that once the wipe step is done, no data recovery programme can restore the files. No data recovery solution will ever be able to recover data if the number of times to erase the hard drive is set to 10.
In addition, if you continue to use the hard disc or storage device after data loss, overwrite the old data with fresh data. Overwritten files cannot be recovered. So, to secure your data, take the following two precautions:
1. Make a backup of critical files to another place ahead of time.
You may wish to erase files permanently so that they cannot be recovered from your old PC, yet you may need them on your new PC. Making a backup file to another location ahead of time is one of the greatest ways to safeguard your documents, images, videos, custom configurations, and Windows 10 data from being permanently erased.
2. Exercise caution while deciding which files to permanently delete and shred using Terminator software.
When you pick your files, they will show in the list. If you change your mind or learn that certain files were picked by mistake, you may delete them from the list using the remove option. Your data will be wiped and shredded many times in Slow Mode, rendering them unrecoverable. When you click the Delete button, a warning message displays notifying you that the lost files cannot be recovered using software or other ways. To confirm, press the OK button.
Terminator software is a professional programme that shreds your files to spare you from the trouble of having your data stolen. However, as previously said, your papers will be irrecoverable, and your data will be erased and unrecoverable. It is also hard to tell which file names were utilised. To be on the safe side, choose your files carefully while utilising this programme.
Conclusion
Nobody wants snoopers and hackers to have access to their personal data. Although Windows’ built-in encryption should render your deleted data unrecoverable, utilising the additional methods we’ve described to permanently remove files so they can’t be retrieved will provide you with total piece of mind.
To prevent someone from retrieving your data, use a disk-wiping programme such as Terminator software. It will erase everything on your hard disc, including your operating system and all of your files, and overwrite them with useless data. It is useful when disposing of a computer since it assures that all of your personal data is erased.
References
Electronic Privacy Information Center
Friday Squid Blogging: Squid Found on Provincetown Sandbar
Bruce Schneier
Allianz fur Cyber-Sicherheit
Creating cyber security policies
Guidelines for Media Sanitization
