I understand that data that is deleted from a PC can be retrieved. I have some sensitive data that was deleted. How can I ensure that it is completely erased?

Hi Master J , let me have the honour to welcome you warmly into PCHF.

With regards to your topic, to completely erased a data, u need programs to help you do that. I recommend this product called Eraser , http://www.tolvanen.com/eraser/ , which is a free software.

Just some background information of deleting data off from a computer.

Deleting some information from a hard drive is like ripping out its table of contents. The files on the drive aren't really destroyed, it's just that the computer's operating system no longer has any meaningful directions on where to find a particular file on the drive. Using free data-recovery tools such as Helix, however, much of that data can easily be retrieved.

Finally, I want to reiterate that it's impossible to wipe all of the data off of a hard drive. Still, using the Eraser tool, it is relatively easy to ensure that nobody will dedicate the time and resources needed to recover sensitive information from your hard drive.

Hope that helps.

Matt