PERMANENTLY erase some files.

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Boodles

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Family member needs to give work laptop back. Important stuff (docs/email)he must delete without formating.
Recommend free prog. to do this so that it aint recoverable.
 
The laptop might be used to find those deleted files once handed back.
 
DJK said:
Shift + delete ?
Click to expand...

Unfortunately it is not an infallible method if you want to find the files.

You can try Secure Delete, not sure if it costs anything but it works quite well.
 
Boodles said:
The laptop might be used to find those deleted files once handed back.
Click to expand...

you could try tuneuputilities 2008 and use the advanced delete system which scans and rescans the harddrive

make sure you delete everything to the recycle bin,and then use the right context menu to delete stuff through tuneup2008
 
qinglung said:
+1 for Eraser.

If you are really paranoid, Eraser gives you the option of the Gutmann algorithm which overwrites the data 35 times :eek:
Click to expand...

PGP comes with a File Shredder too. Try that as well. Alternatively delete your sensitive files (Shift+Del) and fill the HDD to zero bytes free with files,
copy some JPGs or movies from DVDs/CDs onto your HD.
 
Telkomisaloser said:
Format and reinstall the OS and drivers :p
Click to expand...

Unless its a proper destructive format (takes hours) files will still be recoverable. Reinstalling Windows will overwrite some files but still
you never know.

Ah there are also free Defrag utilities, some offer option of Defragging free
space with some secure overwriting included, they also good (after you delete the naughty files).
 
Another method is to delete all the private files with a secure eraser, then copy some huge data files (4Gb DVD ISO files should do) until the laptop's HDD is crammed full, then delete those ISO files - that should give you some real peace of mind there :D

By the way (and this does not apply, Boodles) - Groklaw had an interesting read regarding spoliation (erasing incriminating evidence) on a computer recently. (Spoliation is what happens when one party in a court case destroys evidence). Worth the read tho (if only to fall asleep) :D
 
Easy...

Create a new account, delete other account and select delete files, then use a secure 'free space' eraser, this will wipe the drive not being used by the new account.
 
Thanks for replies. Will check them all out over the weekend.
 
If they have the legal software for the machine, I would just wipe it completely! Format all! Simple. Give them a raw machine back.
 
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