You may or may not know that when you drag items to the trash on your computer, which is not permanently deleted. Just watch an episode of your favorite CSI, and see that its possible to recover files that have not been deleted. And while I'm sure he is not guilty of any CSI type crimes (or if?), I'm sure you want to find out how to permanently delete files and keep your private things private – after all, everyone has to have some secrets!

Why Why empty the recycle bin does not permanently delete files

When you tell your computer to empty the recycling bin, the operating system only deletes records that has the files to delete. However, the files still remain on the hard disk memory.

Here's an analogy: If you think of your files as books in a library and you decide you no longer make use of a particular book. Emptying the trash is equivalent to the elimination entry into the catalog of the library card. The book is still there but not easily found by visitors every day. But if someone I really wanted to find, and had no idea where to look, it's very possible to do so, as it is still physically present.

The which means permanently delete a file

To permanently delete a file, it is necessary not only to eliminate its registration but also overwrite the physical part of the hard drive where you live. A low-level format is equivalent to replacing your private file with random bits (1 and 0). Continuing the analogy of the library that you need to remove remove the book, grinding, light on fire and possibly replace it with a different book

A easily permanently delete?

According to Microsoft, there is a keyboard shortcut in Windows to, quote, "permanently delete the files". To do this, select your file and hitting SHIFT + DELETE. Convinced? Neither do they really are explaining is a shortcut from having to move the item to the trash and then empty the trash.

Taking a step further

Here is a poor man's version of the elimination permanent. Deleting files, emptying the recycle bin, and run Disk Defragmenter located in the start menu under Accessories / System Tools. What this is to do is optimize your hard disk by a reorganization (most) of your files, and in doing so, chances are you want to overwrite the files permanently deleted. Nice!

Doing well and doing better

When performing a defragmentation will likely do the trick, not really is a viable solution. Waiting for disk defragmentation is not something I do every time I wanted to make a permanent deletion. The defragmentation process is too long. The correct way how to permanently and quickly delete files is to use a program designed specifically for that purpose. You're in luck also, because most Windows operating systems have a command line tool called Cipher to do the trick!

Here is where DriveLetter and folder corresponding to the unity of a place where your deleted file used to live.

3. Sit back and enjoy your freedom and privacy, while its actually file is permanently deleted!

Here's an example:

I have a picture I want permanently deleted stored on my computer in the next location:

C: imagesscandalous_picture.jpg

After deleting this image and emptying the recycle bin, I type the following (the symbol system) to make sure I can still run for the Senate (if not catch me in the airport bathroom):

C:> cipher / w: C: images

Then move on to my life of privacy and surf without worries!

You can do better!

Although I feel comfortable working with the command prompt, can not be. Do not worry, there are many other graphical tools based software that perform certain removal permanent file – not to mention they are much less tedious to use. The review freedback.org / Reviews / Software / permanently-delete-Files.html gives a good overview of some of the most popular graphics file based on the elimination available software.

John Cao is a full-time software engineer that specializes in high performance computing. While spending most of his waking hours in front of a computer, John helps others enhance their computer experience by recommending the latest software, hacks, and shortcuts. Visit freedback.org to read more about permanently deleting files and other tips.

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