Deleting files.. Ways to erase information from hard disks

Some resort to deleting files from hard drives as the best way to erase files from the computer.

However, a technical report published by the American newspaper “Washington Post” confirmed that deleting the data does not lead to its complete removal; And that deleting data and emptying the Recycle Bin “doesn’t mean it’s gone forever.”

The report 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 broken computer.

Erase information from hard disks

For hard disks inside running computers, erasing information is associated with the device’s operating system.

– Windows 8.1 operating system (Windows 8.1)

1. Click Settings, then click Change PC Settings.
2. Click Update and recovery, followed by Recovery.
3. Under the “Remove everything and reinstall Windows” box, click Get started.
4. Choose “Fully clean the drive”.

Windows 10 operating system

1. Click the “Windows” button in the lower left corner, then the gear icon.
2. Click Update & Security, then Recovery in the sidebar.
3. Under Reset this PC, click Get Started, then Remove Everything.
4. 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 operating system

1. Click the “Windows” button in the toolbar, then the gear-shaped settings icon.
2. Click “Windows Update”; Then click Recovery, and select Reset PC option.
3. Choose “Remove everything” and click “Change settings” to make sure that the “Clean 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 free applications for secure file and disk scanning such as BleachBit and DBAN for secure scanning of individual files and entire hard drives, respectively.

These apps are well-suited to handling sensitive data, especially when you want it, or when you want more control over the way your hard drive is erased and written to.

– Mac operating system

1. Turn on (or restart) your Mac, and hold down the Command and R keys while it’s on. This will put your computer into Recovery Mode.
2. Log in to your account (if necessary), and click Disk Utility.
3. Select the hard disk you want to erase and click the Erase button.
4. Click Security Options and specify the extent to which disks are erased.

As for removing information about hard disks inside broken computers, the method 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 explained that the easiest way 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.