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Secure erasing


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#1 OFFLINE   Eric Duckman

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Posted 16 August 2006 - 07:30 PM

I think when the secure erasing is selected, CC should also do this when wiping a file:

- clean the file's cluster tip / slack space (that's the most important one)
- scramble the file name, date, etc.
- perhaps also erase the alternate data stream if it exists (although I guess adding that could be too much hassle)

That's really secure file deleting. Of course there are tons of erasers that do that, but the point is that when a user gives the task of secure deleting of some files to CC, CC should do the task securely on its own. :)

#2 OFFLINE   gryphon10

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Posted 26 August 2006 - 07:54 PM

View PostEric Duckman, on Aug 16 2006, 12:30 PM, said:

I think when the secure erasing is selected, CC should also do this when wiping a file:

- clean the file's cluster tip / slack space (that's the most important one)
- scramble the file name, date, etc.
- perhaps also erase the alternate data stream if it exists (although I guess adding that could be too much hassle)

That's really secure file deleting. Of course there are tons of erasers that do that, but the point is that when a user gives the task of secure deleting of some files to CC, CC should do the task securely on its own. :)

I am not a computer expert so this is a bit over my head. I would like CCleaner to security erase all of the unused portion of my hard drive. I assume that this is not done when I security erase files that CCleaner deletes. Am I correct? If so, is there a good free program to what I need?

Tom

#3 OFFLINE   Capman

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Posted 26 August 2006 - 08:24 PM

View Postgryphon10, on Aug 26 2006, 08:54 PM, said:

I am not a computer expert so this is a bit over my head. I would like CCleaner to security erase all of the unused portion of my hard drive. I assume that this is not done when I security erase files that CCleaner deletes. Am I correct? If so, is there a good free program to what I need?

Tom
Yes, you are correct.

To overwrite files and erase the unused portion of your hard drive you can use:

Eraser

#4 OFFLINE   Eldmannen

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Posted 27 August 2006 - 07:33 AM

Yes, you should use Eraser, that was built from the ground to the top with the only goal of secure erasing.

CCleaner recently had the secure deletion feature added, it was never intended for this. See the secure deletion future in CCleaner as a bonus. It's nice to have, but if you're serious then you get a dedicated secure eraser built with the sole intention of secure erasing, such as Eraser.



#5 OFFLINE   gryphon10

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Posted 27 August 2006 - 11:32 PM

Thanks, gentlemen. I appreciate your knowledge and help.

Tom