Permantly erase files

[Platinum]

I know there was a topic on this a few weeks/months back but I am unable to find it.

What is the best way/program to do this? Ideally without formatting the hard drive

Thanks.

[BliarOut]

How permanent? Your porn collection or something that needs secure erasing?

[pjskel]

Any utility you can find on www.versiontracker.com that 'shreds' files.
You'll be numerous, with a few for nowt or fully working trial (7-30 days?).
Download, install, use and the job's done.

[puggit]

Best thing is a cigarette lighter, it's the only guarenteed way...

[randlemarcus]

if its your porn colletion then the above will do fine.
If its something that will get you gaol time, then removal of the drive ,a nd abig hammer is the only way to be sure.
Cue jokes about orbit etc etc

[rich 36]

nah



"Take off and nuke em' from orbit

THATS the only way to be certain

[polus]

I can recommend using BC wipe: www.jetico.com/

[funkynige]

CCleaner will overwrite the area you delete a file from 1,3 or 7 times. That's free so just Google it.

Alternatively -

[Platinum]

Business files, not porn/illegal.

The above applications will make it impossible for pc nerds in nigeria etc to retrieve the data?

[pjskel]

If you want improbable, then something with 35 times writeover using random ASCII.
For impossible, you want to destroy the HDD physically - industrial shredder, the real, physical type.