Windows Vista, how to permantently delete files, emails?

Question

There are old emails I know I deleted some time ago, but when I do a search i find that they still show up in the search. I can't open them but need to be assured that they are deleted and can they be recovered? for email i use Microsoft Outlook 2007. Thanks in advance

Answer 1

This is one of the most difficult, if not impossible, tasks to achieve.  There are various 'shredder' programs available which overwrite the data on the hard drive with random 0's and 1's.  Even then it may still be possible to recover some files with a file recovery program, or sometimes just by doing a System Restore.  Some shredder programs are available to download for free, but generally the one's which achieve more complete shredding will cost you.  Entering "File Shredder" in Google should throw up a selection for you to choose from.

However, these programs only work on existing files, not those already deleted, so your best bet is to save your existing files, documents, e-mails, photos etc on CD / DVD, flash drive, external hard drive or another computer and then format the hard drive as follows:

1) Insert the operating system disc in the CD / DVD drive

2) Switch off computer

3) Switch on and tap the [F12] key continuously until a black screen with the words "Boot Sequence" on it appears

4) Select CD / DVD RW Drive using the up / down arrows

5) Press Enter

6) Once this has finished installing, you will need to repeat the process to install the drivers from a separate disc

Any additional applications and drivers that you’ve installed yourself will also be wiped by this process and will need to be re-installed, as will all your personal settings and e-mail accounts.

You may need to repeat this process a number of times (some say at least 8) to be sure, but if the e-mails are of a particularly sensitive nature, the only absolutely certain way I know to make them irrecoverable is to physically smash the hard drive into small pieces and buy a new one.

Answer 2

Generally speaking, when you want to permanently delete something in Windows or Outlook, use Shift+Delete.

That being said, with the right software, even deleted stuff can possibly be recovered.  So, just be carefull what you do on your PC.  There are alomost always tracks.

Answer 3

If you want total permanent delete, you will need a file shredder program. There is one included with SpyBot S&D. You can try TuneUp Utilites  2008.

When you delete a file, it still lingers around on your harddrive until other data overwrites it. File shredders take the file and overwrites it with "0"s so it cannot be recovered.