When it comes to deleting files from our computers, we often tend to think that a simple delete operation or sending them to the recycle bin will do the trick. But, in reality, the files are not actually deleted until we permanently remove them from our hard drive. Permanently deleting files not only ensures that other users cannot access the data, but also helps to free up valuable disk space. In this blog, we will discuss the various methods to permanently delete files from your computer.
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The Challenge of Deleting Files Permanently from Your Computer
Deleting files permanently from a computer can be a challenging task, especially if you are not sure about the procedures involved. Simply emptying your recycle bin or using the delete key doesn’t actually delete the data from your hard drive. The files remain on your hard drive and can be recovered using data recovery software.
Moreover, if you are handling sensitive information, you need to ensure that the files are not recoverable. It is important to understand the various file deletion methods available and choose the one that best suits your needs.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before you go ahead and start deleting files from your computer permanently, there are a few things you need to prepare for. Firstly, you need to identify the files and folders you want to permanently delete. Secondly, you need to understand the implications of permanently deleting these files. Finally, ensure that you have a backup of all the important information that you don’t want to permanently delete.
Method 1: Using the Shift + Delete Key
The Shift + Delete key method is one of the easiest and quickest ways to permanently delete files from your computer.
Steps:
1. Select the file you want to permanently delete.
2. Hold down the Shift key and press the Delete key.
3. A prompt will appear asking you to confirm the deletion. Click on ‘Yes’.
4. The file is now permanently deleted.
Pros:
– Quick and easy to use.
– No need for additional software.
Cons:
– The data is still recoverable using data recovery software.
Method 2: Using a File Shredder
File shredder software is designed to permanently delete files from your computer. File shredders work by overwriting the file with random data multiple times, making it impossible for the data to be recovered.
Steps:
1. Install a file shredder software.
2. Open the software and select the file you want to permanently delete.
3. Choose the shredding algorithm (number of times the file is overwritten).
4. Click on ‘Shred’ to permanently delete the file.
Pros:
– The data is completely overwritten and cannot be recovered.
– User-friendly interface.
Cons:
– The process can take a longer time depending on the shredding algorithm chosen.
– Software needs to be downloaded and installed.
Method 3: Using Command Prompt
The Command Prompt is a built-in tool in Windows that can be used to permanently delete files from your computer. The Command Prompt uses the ‘del’ and ‘cipher’ commands to permanently delete the files and overwrite the remaining data.
Steps:
1. Open the Command Prompt.
2. Navigate to the folder where the file is located.
3. Type ‘cipher /w:’filename.extension’ and press Enter’ (this will overwrite the free space on the hard drive). Note: Replace ‘filename.extension’ with the name of the file and its extension.
4. Type ‘del filename.extension’ and press Enter (this will delete the file permanently).
Pros:
– The data is completely overwritten and cannot be recovered.
– No need for additional software.
Cons:
– Command Prompt can be intimidating for regular users.
– Accidentally deleting important system files can lead to system instability.
Why Can’t I Delete Files Permanently?
1. You may not have the permission to delete the file or folder. You need to ensure that you have administrator privileges.
2. The file or folder might be in use by a program or process. Close all the programs and processes that are currently using the file.
3. The file or folder might be write-protected. You need to remove write protection before proceeding with the deletion process.
Fixes:
1. Right-click on the file or folder and select ‘Properties’. Go to the Security tab and make sure you have full control and permission to delete the file or folder.
2. Check for any running programs or processes that might be using the file. Close them before attempting to delete the file or folder.
3. Right-click on the file or folder and select ‘Properties’. Go to the General tab and uncheck ‘Read-only’ to remove the write protection.
Additional Tips
1. If you are not sure about permanently deleting a file, make sure to move it to the recycle bin and remove it from there after some time.
2. Always keep a backup of important files and folders to avoid accidental permanent deletion.
3. Make sure to use a file shredder software to permanently delete sensitive information.
4. Deleting system files or folders can lead to system instability. Be careful while deleting system files.
5 FAQs About Permanently Deleting Files from Your Computer
Q: Is it possible to recover files that have been permanently deleted from a computer?
A: No, it is not possible to recover files that have been permanently deleted using a file shredder software or the Command Prompt. However, data recovery software might work for files that have been deleted using the Shift + Delete key method.
Q: How many times should I overwrite a file using a file shredder software?
A: The number of times a file should be overwritten depends on the sensitivity of the information in the file. A minimum of three overwrites should be performed to ensure the data cannot be recovered.
Q: Can I permanently delete files from an external hard drive?
A: Yes, the same methods can be used to permanently delete files from an external hard drive. Ensure that the external hard drive is connected to the computer before proceeding with the deletion process.
Q: Is it safe to permanently delete system files from my computer?
A: No, it is not safe to permanently delete system files as it can lead to system instability. Only delete files that you are sure are not system files.
Q: What should I do if I accidentally permanently delete an important file?
A: If you have a backup, restore the file from the backup. If you do not have a backup, stop using the computer immediately to avoid overwriting the deleted data. Use a data recovery software to recover the deleted data.
In Conclusion
Deleting files permanently from your computer is an important process to ensure that sensitive information is not accessed by unauthorized users. While there are different methods to do so, it is important to choose the right one that suits your needs. The Shift + Delete key method, using a file shredder software, and the Command Prompt are three methods that can be used to permanently delete files from your computer. Additionally, it is important to understand the implications of permanently deleting files and follow the necessary precautions to avoid accidental deletion.