With the increase in the use of SD cards, the need for deleting files on them also increases. However, the deletion of files is not always permanent. In today’s digital age, data privacy is crucial, and deleting files permanently is necessary. But, how can we do it right?
This blog post aims to guide you on how to permanently delete files from an SD card. We will show you different methods, their pros and cons, and what to pay attention to while deleting files.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed?
Before starting, you need an SD card reader, a PC (or a Mac), and a data erasure software. A data erasure software helps in deleting all traces of files from the SD card. The software should be compatible with your system and support SD cards.
What Should I Pay Attention to?
Deleting files from an SD card is irreversible. Therefore, before deleting, make sure that you have a copy of the data on your computer or any other storage device. Check if the files that you want to delete are not protected or write-protected. Some SD cards also have a physical write-protect switch on the side of the card. If it is on, you cannot delete any files from the card.
Deleting a file only removes its directory entry, making the file invisible to the operating system. However, the actual file content remains on the SD card. Therefore, to delete files permanently, you need a data erasure software that overwrites the original file content with new data to make it unrecoverable.
Method 1: Built-in Format Function
Formatting is a built-in function that the operating system provides to delete files from an SD card.
Steps:
1. Insert the SD card into the card reader and connect it to the computer.
2. Open ‘This PC’ and find the SD card.
3. Right-click on the SD card and select ‘Format’.
4. Select ‘Quick Format’ or uncheck it to do a full format.
5. Choose ‘FAT32’ file system in the file system section. (Note: If your SD card has a capacity of more than 32 GB, select “exFAT” instead of “FAT32”)
6. Click the ‘Start’ button.
7. Once the process is completed, click ‘OK’.
Pros
– Easy to use and built-in function provided by the operating system.
– No need for external software.
Cons
– Deleted files can be recovered using data recovery software.
– The process only removes the file directory, and the actual file content remains on the SD card.
Method 2: DiskPart
DiskPart is a command-line tool that helps manage disk partitions. It can also be used to delete data from an SD card.
Steps:
1. On the Windows search bar, type ‘cmd’.
2. Right-click on ‘Command Prompt’ and select ‘Run as Administrator’.
3. Type ‘diskpart’ and press ‘Enter’.
4. Type ‘list disk’ and press ‘Enter’.
5. Find the number associated with the SD card and type ‘select disk [number]’ command.
6. Type ‘clean’ and press ‘Enter’.
7. Once the process is completed, close the window.
Pros
– Built-in function provided by the operating system.
– The process is fast and efficient.
Cons
– Diskpart requires knowledge of command prompts, and an incorrect command can cause data loss.
– Deleted files can still be recovered using data recovery software.
Method 3: Erasure Software
Erasure software is specialized software that overwrites the original file content with new data, making it unrecoverable.
Steps:
1. Download an SD card erasure software from a trusted source.
2. Insert the SD card into the card reader and connect it to the computer.
3. Open the erasure software.
4. Select the SD card and choose the desired erasure algorithm.
5. Click ‘Start’.
6. Once the process is completed, close the software.
Pros
– The process utilizes specialized software that ensures that files are permanently deleted and unrecoverable.
Cons
– The software can be costly.
– The process takes longer than the previous methods.
Method 4: Physical Destruction
If you have sensitive data on your SD card, you can physically destroy it to ensure permanent deletion.
Steps:
1. Insert the SD card into a pair of pliers.
2. Break the SD card until it is in small pieces.
Pros
– Physical destruction guarantees that the data is irrecoverable.
Cons
– You cannot use the SD card again.
– It can be difficult and time-consuming, especially if you have multiple SD cards.
Why Can’t I Permanently Delete Files on SD Card?
1. The deletion process only removes the directory entry, leaving the actual file content untouched.
2. The file content remains on the SD card until it is overwritten by other data.
3. The deleted files can still be recovered using data recovery software.
Fixes:
1. Use specialized erasure software to permanently delete files from the SD card by overwriting the original file content with new data.
2. Physically destroy the SD card.
Suggestions
– Always keep a backup of your important data before deleting files permanently from an SD card.
– Use a trusted data erasure software to ensure that the files are permanently deleted and unrecoverable.
FAQs
Q. Can I use the same SD card after permanently deleting files from it?
A. Yes, you can use the same SD card after permanently deleting files from it, provided it is not physically destroyed.
Q. Can I recover files from the SD card after permanently deleting them?
A. No, you cannot recover files from the SD card after using a specialized erasure software or physically destroying it.
Q. Which method of the above is the most secure?
A. Physically destroying the SD card is the most secure method as there is no possibility of recovering data. However, it can be used only once.
Q. Can I use any SD card erasure software for permanently deleting files on an SD card?
A. No, not all erasure software is compatible with SD cards. Ensure that the software you use is compatible with SD cards.
Q. Is there any way to recover the data after physically destroying the SD card?
A. No, once you physically destroy the SD card, the data is irrecoverable.
Conclusion
Deleting files permanently from an SD card is crucial for data privacy. Through this blog post, we discussed different methods for permanently deleting files on an SD card, their pros and cons, and what to pay attention to while deleting files. Always remember to keep a backup of important data, choose a trusted data erasure software, and use physical destruction as a last resort.