Discussion: Erase Sensitive Files and Data from your PC

Osc · Posted: Wed 02/11/2004 11:27am [Post #1]

This is the discussion topic for "Erase Sensitive Files and Data from your PC", which explains how to use the Eraser utility.

The article can be read here:
http://www.help2go.com/article161.html

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Canuck · Posted: Wed 02/11/2004 12:14pm [Post #2]

Hi osc, I found another free disk eraser, don't know if it's as good as the one you have the article on, but thought I'd pass it along FYI http://www.killdisk.com/features.htm.

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Shinobi · Posted: Wed 02/11/2004 12:48pm [Post #3]

Eraser is a good tool but like all software it has it's limitations (locked files when wiping free space and so on). Like the Eraser people themselves say the only sure way to keep data secure is not to write that data to your hard drive in the first place Smile

One thing I like about Eraser is the DBAN floppy you can make with it (start>programs>eraser>make DBAN floppy). Change your BIOS to boot from floppy then restart with said floppy in drive. The result is that your entire hard drive including OS will be securly wiped. However the reason I like this is not one of security but convenience. I personally have had problems when it comes to formating and reinstalling XP machines. I dont like XP's way of doing it and I'm not convinced you get a proper format.
Using DBAN however is very easy and you need only do the first pass (which I think is all zero's) which takes about the same time as a low level format. Then just change the BIOS, insert XP CD and your good to go!

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