I've deleted a file in WinXP which I meant to securely delete. My questions are: 1) Is there a secure file wipe utility that can find previously deleted files (assuming they haven't been overwritten) and then securely delete them? I know I can securely wipe free space but the time involved in doing this means it is not an option. 2) Is there a file restore/recovery program that doesn't just restore to another disk (i.e. copies the deleted file), but instead resets the attributes of the deleted file, but doesn't in any way change or move the original deleted file, so that it appears as normal in windows again (from which I can then use a secure delete utility as normal)? 3) any other ways to securely delete a deleted but not overwritten file? I'll be very grateful for any help.

File Shredder freeware.

Thanks for that recommendation. Unfortunately fileshredder doesn't do what I want because it can't see files that have already been deleted (a normal windows delete, not securely wiped), which is what I need.

Hi .

If the file(s) are in the Recycle Bin then restore them and run the program again.

If the file(s) are not in the Recycle bin then that space has been put back into the "free space" on your drive. Then you need a "free space" secure wipe program:

Free Secure (Destructive) File and Disk Deletion Tools

OK, let me try to explain the situation more clearly. Securely wiping the free space isn't an option. I have 480GB free space and with a Guttman wipe that will take, I estimate, 20-30 days!! I need a utility that can undelete a deleted file ( not copy it) and then I need to securely wipe it. -or - a utility that can securely wipe a file that has already been deleted. Can anyone help please?