A technical report mentioned that deleting files from hard disk drives is not enough when the user wants to erase files from the computer, and talked about how to erase information from disks properly.
The report, published by the “Washington Post” newspaper, stated that there are some steps that must be followed to erase the information, and they vary according to the operating systems between “Windows” and “Macintosh” (Mac), and according to the state of the computer, that is, the presence of a hard disk in a computer that works regularly, And another disk in a computer is disabled.
He pointed out that “wiping the information on the hard disk does not lead to its complete removal, and that deleting the data and emptying the Recycle Bin “does not mean that it is gone forever.” that”.
Below, the report mentioned the necessary steps to erase information from hard disks inside a working computer, depending on the operating system.
Windows 8.1
Click Settings, then click Change PC Settings.
Click Update and recovery, followed by “Recovery.”
Under “Remove everything and reinstall Windows,” click “Get started.”
After that you should choose “Fully clean the drive”.
Windows 10
Click the Windows button in the lower left corner, then the gear-shaped Settings icon.
Click Update & Security, then Recovery in the sidebar.
Under “Reset this PC,” click “Get started,” then “Remove everything.”
When you get to the Additional Settings screen, click on Change settings and make sure that “Clean data” and “Delete files from all drives” are selected.
Windows 11
Click the Windows button in the toolbar, then the gear-shaped Settings icon.
Click Windows Update. Then click Recovery and select Reset PC option.
Choose “Remove everything” and click on “Change settings” to make sure that the “Clean up data” option is enabled.
For computers running earlier versions of Windows, such as Windows XP, Vista, or 7, the user may need to follow other procedures, or use software to securely erase files and disks.
Mac
Turn on (or restart) your Mac, and hold down Command and R while it’s on – this will put your computer into Recovery Mode.
Log in to your account (if necessary) and click Disk Utility.
Select the hard drive you want to erase and click the Erase button.
Click Security Options and specify the extent to which disks are erased.
With regard to hard disks inside broken computers, the method is simple, and it includes removing the hard disk from the device by unscrewing the screws and cables, connecting the disk to another computer, and using an appropriate program to erase the information.
The report pointed out that there are other ways to get rid of data, which is to destroy hard disks, after removing them from the computer for recycling, by using a hammer or drill (drill) to make large holes in the hard disk.