Jan 15, 2024 • Filed to: Recover Files • Proven solutions
There are various instances that lead you to intentionally delete some files from your computer. In case you intend to sell your PC, you may consider deleting your sensitive files for privacy and security reasons. At times you can delete files to avoid falling into the hands of malicious people, your partner, or even other users. You can delete less important files to create more space or to increase the speed of your computer.
Yes, your deleted files can still be recovered. Permanently deleting files does not actually end by emptying the recycle bin. There is more to that. Whenever you empty your recycle bin, you simply move your data into a new directory. This means that your data will be missing from the recycle bin but it will be stored in the hard disk such that it can be recovered once again.
There are various data recovery tools that can be used to recover lost or deleted files from the recycle bin including Recoverit Data Recovery, card recovery, Recuva Recovery software, Panda Recovery, and the like. However, your deleted files cannot be recovered by these data recovery software if you overwrite the files.
There are a number of ways that you can use to permanently delete files on Windows. Here I am ruling out emptying the recycle bin since the files can still be recovered. Moreover, you can use SHIFT+Delete. Below are different ways to permanently files with their step-by-step guide
First, download Eraser for the permanent deletion of your files from your hard drives. There are free versions for this program. Once you have downloaded the program, install, and run it.
Choose the file or file you wish to permanently delete and right-click on it to open a new window. Your computer will recognize the newly installed software by including Eraser sub-menu on the open with option.
From the Eraser sub-menu, choose Erase to completely delete the selected file or folder. The process that is fast and a new pop up window will appear after the process is complete notifying you that your file or folder has been securely and permanently deleted from the hard drive.
On selecting Erase on the restart option, the file will not be deleted immediately but will be erased when you restart your computer.
Download and install SDelete software on your computer. Once installed, run the program to enable it to carry out its functions.
While on the Start menu, open the Run option. Type cmd on the displayed Open type field and click OK.
While still on the Command prompt, shift to the location where you saved the SDelete using the cd command. For instance, if you saved the program in C: downloads, then type cd C: downloads in the Open type file. After typing the command to the location, hit on the Enter key to proceed.
To show the file you want to be deleted, type sdelete . On the path to file or directory context, type the exact location of the file you want to be deleted.
The commands showing the location of the files you have chosen will be displayed on the screen. Preview the command and press Enter to enable SDelete to permanently delete the selected files.
Download the Eraser program for the Mac option and install it on your computer. Once you have installed, launch the program and move to the next step.
You can either drag and drop the files or cut and paste the files to the Eraser icon you wish to delete. When you release the file, the Eraser program will immediately begin to wipe the files from the hard disk. But if you lost some important files with Cut and Paste operation, check this solution: How to Recover Files Lost During Cut and Paste
Open the Permanent Eraser to activate the program. A warning will be displayed, asking you to confirm whether you want to delete the files permanently. Click OK to confirm your actions. All the files dropped onto the Eraser icon will be permanently deleted.
The Bottom line
The bottom line is, most users are ignorant of the fact that emptying the recycle bin on your computer does not permanently delete files. It is not until their sensitive files run into the hands of malicious individuals that they start panicking. There are better ways to delete your files completely and permanently (regardless of the type of computer you use) other than just emptying the recycle bin.
If you lost data on your computer, unfortunately, don't worry! You still have the chance to get lost data back. To recovery files from the computer, you can have tried the following tool.
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Amy Dennis
staff Editor