hard drive file deletion

[Big Al1st]

Hi everyone,
Has anyone tried any free hard drive delete or shredder programs to ensure date has been properly deleted.
If so what did you use and did you have any problems.

I have been thinking about this since I read an article about used PCs ending up in Nigeria and people accessing your private data.

Thank you in advance Rgds Al

[Postdog]

I've used them for years - window washer, C*** Cleaner, no problems at all.

[Big Al1st]

Thanks Post dog. I just have this fear that I would end up with a virgin disc with nowt on it. I do have alot of bank and personal details on the thing and after reading certain articles it makes you think.
I think I will have to try one though Al

[fo3nix]

If you're storing sensitive information on your computer, then try using TrueCrypt:
http://www.truecrypt.org/

This lets you store your data very securely, and apart from entering a password when you want to access those files, you don't know that it's being encrypted.

As for securely erasing files: http://www.gpg4win.org/
As well as letting you securely send things in email to others, it also has a secure file erase feature.

Both are free software, so should be free from any 'backdoors'.

[obione]

hi everyone there was a program on the telly last night about that very problem they mentioned something called overwriting software cause just plain deleting or even formating your drive does not work. are the programs you mentioned here that type of software?

[Big Al1st]

Thanks to all of you. I have decided I will have ago at deleting the files. Watch this space when I shout for help. Rgds Al

[trevHCS]

>> I just have this fear that I would end up with a virgin disc with nowt on it. <<

That's the idea of these programs. They totally wipe the disk and then overwrite it with 0's usually so that all the data is removed and can't be retrieved.

Well, except if you've got an electon microscope kicking about anyway.