We all use our Computer’s hard disk to store our confidential / personal files such as family photos, scanned copy of important documents, some times documents with log in details like passwords and usernames etc. So when we dispose our hard disk or want to hand over our device to a third party what we do normally? We definitely take back up of the files we want and then delete the files from the hard disk. We think we are too smart by deleting the files from the Recycle Bin then. But it will be disastrous if the device has fallen in the hands of a wrong person. Why? Because the files we have deleted still can be recovered using some simple applications. Yes! We need a complete removal tool to permanently erase our hard disk data.
How to Securely and Permanently Wipe Hard Disk Data Without Any Trace?
From the above you’ve already understand that you should need a special tool to completely erase your hard disk without leaving any footprint of your confidential files on it. Use CCleaner for this purpose. It’s a very popular free app for Windows / Mac computers. It can be used to free up disk space and enhance the privacy level. It has a Drive Wiper built-in. If you aren’t familiar with CCleaner download it first from the below link (free version is OK).
Install and run the application. Now click the Tools tab to find the Drive Wiper. On Drive Wiper there are options to set the wipe level, drives to wipe etc.
You can completely wipe the selected drive or wipe the free space only. You can choose the security level. Simple Overwrite (1 pass) is OK in normal case. If you are very much particular pick Advance Overwrite (3 pass). But it will increase the erase time. Then click Wipe.
It is a must to do practice before hand over your device to a third party permanently. Hope you enjoyed this post. Share your views in comments.
Drive Wipe software worked with good results for me. I used this tool to wipe drive data completely and permanently from the hard drive. For more details you can visit the official website mentioned below.
http://www.drivewipe.net/data.html