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Resolved Windows Permanent file deletion

Discussion in 'Windows 7' started by robbo23, 2011/02/12.

  1. 2011/02/12
    robbo23

    robbo23 Inactive Thread Starter

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    Hi, I just this minute joined!
    I'm doing a little research about file security and was wondering if anyone has had any problems following Microsoft's instructions for permanently deleting files.
    Their help page says that if you want to do this and avoid using the Recycle Bin, you highlight the file (or folder, I presume) and press Shift-Del. The words "permanently delete" are there, but I believe the files can still be found with the right software.
    Isn't this rather misleading?
    Anyone got any thoughts on this please?

    Regards
    robbo
     
    robbo23,
    #1
  2. 2011/02/12
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Welcome to WindowsBBS :)

    Any file that is deleted either via the Recycle Bin or directly by holding down Shift can easily be recovered provided that the space occupied by the file has not been overwritten.

    When a file is deleted only the reference to that file in the file system (NTFS or FAT32) is removed - the original file remains on the hard drive and the space occupied by it marked by Windows as 'free'.

    To permanently and securely delete a (sensitive) file it must be securely deleted - the space occupied by the file on the hard drive is overwritten by 1's & 0's to a specific standard - Government, Defence Dept or to a lesser standard. Third party software for secure deletion allows you to choose how many times the file space is overwritten.

    Eraser - free open source software, is an excellent tool for secure deletion.
     
    PeteC,
    #2


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  4. 2011/02/12
    robbo23

    robbo23 Inactive Thread Starter

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    Thanks for your welcome, PeteC.
    Ok, I think it's starting to sink in now -
    When Microsoft says its' 'permanent', it isn't!
    Simples!
     
    robbo23,
    #3
  5. 2011/02/12
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    You got it :)
     
    PeteC,
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  6. 2011/02/13
    Admin.

    Admin. Administrator Administrator Staff

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    I don't know of any OS that handles this differently.
     
    Admin.,
    #5

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