You may or may not know that when you drag items to the trash on your computer, they are not permanently deleted. Just watch an episode of your favorite CSI show and you will see that it is possible to recover files that have not been properly deleted. And while I’m sure you’re not guilty of any CSI-type crime (or are you?), I’m sure you want to find out how to permanently delete your files and keep your private stuff private – after all, everyone has to do it . I have Some Mysteries!
Why Emptying Your Recycle Bin Doesn’t Permanently Erase Your Files
When you tell your computer to empty your recycle bin, your operating system only removes the records you have of the files you want to delete. However, the files still remain in the memory of the hard disk.
Here’s an analogy: if you think of your files as books in a library and decide that you no longer have a use for a certain book. Emptying the trash is equivalent to deleting the entry in the library’s tag catalog. The book is still there, but everyday visitors don’t find it easily. But if someone really wanted to find it and had a clue where to look, it is quite possible that they will, as it is still physically there.
What does it mean to permanently delete a file
To permanently delete a file, you must not only delete its registry, but also overwrite the physical part of the hard drive where it resides. A low-level format is equivalent to replacing your private file with random bits (1 and 0). Continuing the library analogy, you need to remove the book, shred it, set it on fire, and possibly replace it with a different book.
An easy way to permanently remove it?
According to Microsoft, there is a keyboard shortcut in Windows to, in quotes, “permanently delete files.” Do this by selecting your file and pressing SHIFT + DELETE. Convinced? Neither do I. What they are really explaining is a shortcut for having to move the item to the trash and then empty the trash.
Take one more step
Here’s a version of a poor man’s permanent deletion. Delete your files, empty your Recycle Bin, and run Disk Defragmenter located in the Start menu under Accessories / System Tools. What this will do is optimize your hard drive by rearranging (most) of your files, and doing so will most likely overwrite the files you want to permanently delete. Nice!
Do it well and do it better
While performing a defrag will probably work, it’s not really a viable solution. Waiting for the disk to defrag is not something you would do every time you wanted to do a permanent delete. The defragmentation process is too long. The correct way to permanently and quickly delete files is to use a program specifically designed for that purpose. You’re also in luck because most Windows operating systems have a command line tool called CIPHER to do the trick!
Here’s how to use CIPHER:
1. After closing all windows, open a command window.
2. Type the following: cipher / w: driveletter: folder name where the drive letter and folder name correspond to the drive and location where the deleted file used to reside.
3. Sit back and enjoy your freedom and privacy while your file is actually permanently removed!
Here is an example:
I have an image that I want to permanently delete and that is stored on my computer in the following location:
C: images scandalous_picture.jpg
After deleting this image and emptying the recycle bin, I would type the following (at a command prompt) to make sure I can still run for senator (as long as I don’t get caught in the airport bathroom):
C:> encryption / w: C: images
Then I can move on to my life of privacy and browsing without worry!
Could you do it better!
Although I am comfortable working with the command prompt, you may not be. Don’t worry, there are plenty of other graphics-based software tools that perform true permanent file deletion, not to mention much less tedious to use. The review at freedback.org/Reviews/Software/Permanently-Delete-Files.html gives a good overview of some of the most popular graphics-based file deletion software available.