Permanently deleting data from hard disc - Page 2

Bigcul1 · 2nd May 2012, 08:56

We use ccleaner, can be downloaded for free from cnet.com. Run it on 3 wipes, full disc and this conforms to us dept of defence recommended passes. Then install xp again.

Jake · 2nd May 2012, 11:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigcul1

We use ccleaner, can be downloaded for free from cnet.com. Run it on 3 wipes, full disc and this conforms to us dept of defence recommended passes. Then install xp again.

I also have used Ccleaner in past employment. Great piece of software!

Jakg · 2nd May 2012, 15:20

If you just wipe free space, I really hope you cleared your internet history etcetc... god knows whats stored in the registry.

IMO the only way is a DBAN then a re-install of Windows if you sell the PC - you'd be amazed at what you find on storage on eBay with the right recovery software!

MarkS · 2nd May 2012, 16:49

Most hard drive manufacturers do a free diagnostic CD that you can download which will completely wipe the drive clean. I definitely would not recommend just removing the data and using Ccleaner as it could still leave all kinds of data. I am afraid a full wipe and reinstallation of Windows is the best solution. Darik's BootandNukem (www.dban.org) or HDAT2 (www.hdat2.com) do a great job and leave you with a nice warm feeling of a job done properly.

Alternatively you could do half a job, then spend all night worrying what if.....

Garden · 2nd May 2012, 17:44

I use this Here.
I have the full version and it's great, you won't get any info back after this. formatting will not get rid of data permanently . try formatting and then run a date recovery program like pc keeper and see what you get back, you will be suprised.

2nd May 2012, 16:49	#14
MarkS Gets stuck in Rover 75 Diesel Tourer, called Perseverance Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Bournemouth Posts: 664 Thanks: 189 Thanked 157 Times in 108 Posts	Most hard drive manufacturers do a free diagnostic CD that you can download which will completely wipe the drive clean. I definitely would not recommend just removing the data and using Ccleaner as it could still leave all kinds of data. I am afraid a full wipe and reinstallation of Windows is the best solution. Darik's BootandNukem (www.dban.org) or HDAT2 (www.hdat2.com) do a great job and leave you with a nice warm feeling of a job done properly. Alternatively you could do half a job, then spend all night worrying what if..... Last edited by MarkS; 2nd May 2012 at 16:53.. Reason: addition

2nd May 2012, 17:44	#15
Garden Loves to post Rover 75 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: UK Posts: 269 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 2 Posts	I use this Here. I have the full version and it's great, you won't get any info back after this. formatting will not get rid of data permanently . try formatting and then run a date recovery program like pc keeper and see what you get back, you will be suprised. __________________ http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...cdc1e8da82.jpg

2nd May 2012, 08:56	#11
Bigcul1 Gets stuck in Rover 75 CDTi Con SE Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Northallerton Posts: 846 Thanks: 123 Thanked 131 Times in 91 Posts	We use ccleaner, can be downloaded for free from cnet.com. Run it on 3 wipes, full disc and this conforms to us dept of defence recommended passes. Then install xp again.

2nd May 2012, 15:20	#13
Jakg This is my second home N/A Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Suffolk Posts: 6,867 Thanks: 0 Thanked 397 Times in 302 Posts	If you just wipe free space, I really hope you cleared your internet history etcetc... god knows whats stored in the registry. IMO the only way is a DBAN then a re-install of Windows if you sell the PC - you'd be amazed at what you find on storage on eBay with the right recovery software!