How to really erase old files in my laptop?

[rbelli1]

"It cannot detect or erase SSDs"

I think that @yungman would do better to use the manufacturer's (HP's) readily available method.

I've never needed to erase an SSD so was unaware of that limitation. Also I wanted to to say "Nuke it from orbit".

"HP Disk Sanitizer" it from orbit just doesn't have the same ring to it.

You are right that the manufacturer specific product is the best option.

BoB

Edit: Crap HP Disk Sanitizer is only for spinning disks too. Their Secure Erase program does SSD's.

 

[Laroxe]

I just use CCleaner free from Piriform, its easy and its never caused me any problems. You can go to the - Options then settings then select secure deletions, you can then select how many times data is overwritten, though the more times the slower the process. There are some other options you can use as well, the very complex is only worthwhile if your trying to prevent the NSA getting any data. I find it very easy to use and also use it to declutter my drives, it gets rid of masses of rubbish. The first run it will find stuff you didn't know existed so give it time to do its job.

 

[Vanadium 50]

We're still getting advice on how to erase the unused space but leaving Windows installed.

As pointed out, Windows and its applications often store copies of data on their own, often in unexpected places.

If we were talking about a physical file with two copies, it would be like taking one copy, shredding it and burning the shreds and scattering the ashes - but leaving the other copy intact, and then arguing about what the best shredder to use is.

 

[DaveC426913]

As pointed out, Windows and its applications often store copies of data on their own, often in unexpected places.

If we were talking about a physical file with two copies, it would be like taking one copy, shredding it and burning the shreds and scattering the ashes - but leaving the other copy intact, and then arguing about what the best shredder to use is.

This, exactly.

 

[sysprog]

I just use CCleaner free from Piriform, its easy and its never caused me any problems. You can go to the - Options then settings then select secure deletions, you can then select how many times data is overwritten, though the more times the slower the process. There are some other options you can use as well, the very complex is only worthwhile if your trying to prevent the NSA getting any data. I find it very easy to use and also use it to declutter my drives, it gets rid of masses of rubbish. The first run it will find stuff you didn't know existed so give it time to do its job.

CCleaner is good for wiping free space on HDDs, but its maker recommends not using it for wiping on SSDs. To remove any remnants of deleted files on SSDs, while retaining other files, do a non-raw full-device backup, then a manufacturer-approved sanitize or erase, then a restore. For secure erasures on SSDs, it's better to not try to use HDD-specific techniques, such as single or multi-pass overwrites.

 

[omigosh]

If you really want to be sure... replace the hard drive in it

 

[sysprog]

If you really want to be sure... replace the hard drive in it

That alone would of course not preserve any content; if it were done along with a correct backup and restore, it would be sufficient but not necessary.

 

[harborsparrow]

It turns out, Microsoft finally built in a utility for overwriting and clearing free space. And I've tried it and it seemed to work well. I learned about it from this article:

https://www.howtogeek.com/137108/how-securely-overwrite-free-space-in-windows/

The command is:

cipher /w:C:\

where C is the letter of the drive you want to securely overwrite the free space on.

Use a command prompt window with Administrative privileges.

Don't run anything else while it's going on. Expect it to take hours, possibly run it overnight.

 

[sysprog]

It turns out, Microsoft finally built in a utility for overwriting and clearing free space. And I've tried it and it seemed to work well. I learned about it from this article:

https://www.howtogeek.com/137108/how-securely-overwrite-free-space-in-windows/

The command is:

cipher /w:C:\

where C is the letter of the drive you want to securely overwrite the free space on.

Use a command prompt window with Administrative privileges.

Don't run anything else while it's going on. Expect it to take hours, possibly run it overnight.

It's not for SSDs.