Need a program to wipe files

[DrMetallica]

Did you know when you delete a file from Windows, the file is not actually deleted? It is just marked as free space, and it remains there until something new is written over it.

I need a program that can wipe all the free space from my harddrive CLEAN. Also, are there any programs that are able to delete all the space of the harddrive or render the harddrive unusable?

[Behold! My Pants]

back everything important up. put big magnet on harddrive for a week. format drive. put back files you wanted to keep.

why the paranoia? been looking a kiddie porn or something?

[Sophism]

a hammer can render your drive unusable...

or open it up and take a hammer to the disks to render it useless.

[Behold! My Pants]

btw, there's a search function on the site.

[ze-newie]

I use Eraser. You can choose the level of erase protection you want, from 3-35 passes of random data. It's free too :D Get it here: http://www.tolvanen.com/eraser/

[KHaKi-]

http://prdownloads.sourceforge.net/eraser/...up.zip?download <-- Eraser version 4.7 :p

or for internet related http://www.spazmatic.net/partners/ccleaner/ :)

[Mokano]

There's TuneUp Utilities

It has a shredder option

like the government uses :laugh:

They even say that somewhere

[kennyout]

You can use Spybot: Search and Destroy to actually eleminate a file perminatlly....(speelling)

its in one of the screens....

in advanced mode under tools: pressing help button will show info

[505]

PGP for Windows can also do this...

[NeoSigma]

I use the shred tool that is in Webroots Window Washer or the Wipe Info tool that is in Norton Utlilities. Both very good giving you options on how many passes or what method to shred your data with. If you have the money get Evidence Eliminator, I hear it's very good.

[hifive]

Eraser is a good one.

[mojomonkee]

magnetized screwdriver

[StaticX]

delete *.* lmao kidding.... window washer is what i use (Y)

[anthonycara]

magnet + format should do it

[Toxikk Veteran]

moved to software help

[yudi_lks]

Why do you want to render your HD unusable anyway? Anyway, tuneup utilities or norton clean sweep will do it like a charm..

[Osiris]

You dont need magnets...

There was an article I read not too long ago when I was searching for a file shreeding app on google, It stated that once a file has been overwitten 28times with random data not even the boys at the fbi will be getting that file back.

I use Advanced File Shredder - www.ashkon.com

myself, its not freeware you get 30 day trial but its simple easy, accessible, gives you 3 options; US DOD 5220.22M, Gutmann 35passes, or Random Cryptographic overwrite, and you can add how many times you want it to be overwritten.

Another point worth mentioning is a complete defragg of the disk after a file shredding will also add to the probablity that the file isnt comming back.

Additionally if any of these options arent up your alley, may I suggest this recipe;

1. Pour 1L of petrol all over and in the HDD (Note you should remove HDD from computer first)

2. Once drive is completely soaked, place the drive on a flame resistant surface, concrete always works well

3. Ensure no petrol is on yourself, if there is go wash it off

4. Proceed to light a match, once match is burning away, throw match of petrol soaked drive (From a safe distance)

5. Return about half an hour later and notice your completely smelted HDD.

6. Send it to the FBI and see if they enjoy that treat :)

[imtoomuch]

6. Send it to the FBI and see if they enjoy that treat

I think that's who he's trying to hide the data from! ;)

[yudi_lks]

I'm 'smelling' an accusation here.. Hahaha... j/k.. (but that actually crossed in my mind before I posted my reply... ^^)

[Daybreak]

Buy a hardware degausser :) Requires its own power source, big and bulky, and degausses disks with a loud BAM.. but once they're done, the disks are unusuable :) Suitable for even military-grade applications!

[Osiris]

You dont need to spend all this money on funky tools just follow the 6 step Flaming HDD al dente' receipe and your in business, I guess the 6th step is optional, but im relatively certain the feds arent going to be getting any data off a petrol burnt hdd....

[Si Veteran]

http://dban.sf.net