ELIMINATING deleted files

When you delete a file, two things happen. The first character of the file name is deleted, and the "ok to overwrite" bit is set. This means the area on the drive is available for new data. Copying any new data to the drive will fill in this area with new data. Maybe, depending on the data, it's use, it's size, a ton of stuff. Running a defrag will usually fill in the blank area of the drive.

This isn't exactly true any more (it was 10 years ago in MS-DOS times).

Assuming you're talking about Windows 95 or higher (98, ME, 2000, XP) and delete the file from Windows Explorer (not with MS-DOS del/erase command) a file by default is MOVED to the recycle bin. And from the recycle bin you can 'undelete' it (move it back to where it came from), until you either empty the recycle bin or delete any individual file from it. This will really delete it and free the disc space.
You need special file recovery software to undelete it then, and that only works if the disc space happens to be not reused for another file.

There are two ways you can influence this default behavior:
1. Press shift-del to delete the file in Windows Explorer. This will bypass the recycle bin and delete the file and free the disc space.
2. Use the properties of the recycle bin (right click on the icon on the desktop, then choose properties) and set the "don't use the recycle bin, delete all files immediately" checkbox. That works for ALL files, until you uncheck it.
And deleting from a command prompt circumvents the recycle bin also. It's strictly an Explorer feature.

I would recommend to use the default settings, so generally files go to the recycle bin (you can set the maximum disc space it uses). Only when you're VERY sure you don't need the file, use shift-del. But you may prefer it otherwise.

There are Explorer replacements that offer the 'immediate delete' from the menu bar (Powerdesk does), or maybe as an right-click choice or as a setting, but personally I'm happy with the shortcut keys del and shift-del.

Hope this helps.


Kees

If you want a well-rounded product that can do that automatically for traces from browsing and program usage, automatically shred what goes to the recycle bin, and securely erase a specific file upon request, I'd suggest chcking out Window Washer ($29.95) from Webroot.

However, if you don't need the full detailing service, just the occasional wax job, there are a couple free programs that can get the job done. Simple File Shreeder is very good, offering a customizable number of passes, the shredding of free space, and the shredding of browser and system tracks. CyberShredder is also good, offering fast drag-and-drop shredding, but isn't as customizable. What I like most about them is that they are completely portable...they can be run from a flash drive without needing to be installed on the computer. Thus, I can pop in my flash drive and shred files wherever I go.

Hope this helps,
John

Your replies have answered my question, expanding my understanding of deleted files and providing a good solution. Many thanks.