is there any free way to get files that i have deleted completely erased on my old pc so i can sell it.
thanks
jack
Patonb
06-13-2008, 05:28 PM
I use this:
http://www.heidi.ie/node/6
Lazlo
06-13-2008, 07:19 PM
I've used Darik's Boot and Nuke for years: http://dban.sourceforge.net/
mattblan
06-14-2008, 01:48 AM
Barring incineration, there never has been any way to completely erase data on a memory device. When you delete a file on Windows, nothing gets "erased". The operating system just removes the pointer that used to reference that data. It's exactly like throwing away an index card in a library that uses the Dewi Decimal System. The books are still there, it will just take longer to find them.
The programs on the market will only write 1's and 0's over everything, probably about seven times. This makes your deleted data at best, somewhat difficult to decipher. The rule of thumb is,
if data = IE passwords or personal banking spreadsheets, etc
then 7 writes of 1's and then 0's should suffice
if data = trade/national secrets, other sensitive data types
then eradicate the disk with intense heat and or acid.
Hope this gives some perspective. Sometimes you can believe what you see on TV. Definitely don't pay money for a piece of software that claims to be NSA approved to "completely erase" your data.