Wipe Disk and Wipe Files

Martin Brinkmann
Jun 8, 2008
Updated • Dec 12, 2012
Software
|
0

Choice is good, most of the time at least but to much choice can also lead to confusion. I'm talking about five applications that practically perform the same operation or a tool that can delete files securely using one of fourteen different algorithms. It's not really that easy for inexperienced users - and probably even most of the experienced computer users - to find the best algorithm for a task.

Wipe Disk and Wipe Files are two applications that can delete disks and partitions or files securely so that they cannot be recovered by normal means. What this means is that you can't just run a file recovery software like Recuva on the system to restore the deleted files on it.

Both applications are available in different languages which can be changed in the Extras > Language menu. The default language of both applications is German. Both are pretty straightforward. A disk, file or directory is added to the queue and one of the fourteen algorithms is selected that delete the data securely.

Some of the algorithms are being used by the Department of Defense, the US Navy or Nato. I would always suggest to use a software like Recuva after deleting data on a disk to make sure that those cannot be retrieved by normal means.

Those algorithms use different ways to overwrite the location on the hard drive that was occupied by the data. A German basic description of every algorithm is available in the program's help file.

Both programs help you delete files on the system that you want gone forever and without traces. This can be useful before you lend the PC to someone else or sell it to make sure the new owner can't just recover some of your personal files by running file recovery software.

Advertisement

Tutorials & Tips


Previous Post: «
Next Post: «

Comments

There are no comments on this post yet, be the first one to share your thoughts!

Leave a Reply

Check the box to consent to your data being stored in line with the guidelines set out in our privacy policy

We love comments and welcome thoughtful and civilized discussion. Rudeness and personal attacks will not be tolerated. Please stay on-topic.
Please note that your comment may not appear immediately after you post it.