How to Permanently Remove Files from Your Hard Drive

Find a "low level format tool" application online by searching freeware sites. , Format the partition on which you keep the files you want to get rid of, with the low level format tool., Reboot the computer using the floppy disk and run the tool...

10 Steps 1 min read Medium

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Find a "low level format tool" application online by searching freeware sites.

    The easiest way is to find a bootable DOS floppy and copy the .exe program to it. , The physical space on the hard drive where your files are saved will be filled with zeros or random data.

    Afterwards, you can recreate the partition and store new files without any problems. ,,, Determine how many passes it should take ("7 passes or 35 passes") and the drive you wish to wipe.

    The more passes the lower the chance your data will be recoverable.

    However, more passes may make the process take longer to complete. , (400GB with 7 passes took me 8 hours)
  2. Step 2: Format the partition on which you keep the files you want to get rid of

  3. Step 3: with the low level format tool.

  4. Step 4: Reboot the computer using the floppy disk and run the tool.

  5. Step 5: Download and install CCleaner;

  6. Step 6: Open the tools menu and select the "Drive Wiper" sub-tab option.

  7. Step 7: Select Wipe

  8. Step 8: select "Entire Drive (All data will be erased) " then Security.

  9. Step 9: Select Wipe: This process can take anywhere from a few minutes to days

  10. Step 10: depending on the number of passes and free space to recover.

Detailed Guide

The easiest way is to find a bootable DOS floppy and copy the .exe program to it. , The physical space on the hard drive where your files are saved will be filled with zeros or random data.

Afterwards, you can recreate the partition and store new files without any problems. ,,, Determine how many passes it should take ("7 passes or 35 passes") and the drive you wish to wipe.

The more passes the lower the chance your data will be recoverable.

However, more passes may make the process take longer to complete. , (400GB with 7 passes took me 8 hours)

About the Author

S

Scott Gray

Dedicated to helping readers learn new skills in DIY projects and beyond.

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