Deleting files from CDs is a matter that people turn to for various considerations, some of which are security related to protecting their private data, and others are functional related to getting rid of files they no longer need.
But the deletion process that people usually do does not permanently delete files from CDs, and they can be retrieved easily, and people often recover other people’s data after buying used computers, for example.
In the following report, according to Al-Hurra channel, we review the most important steps to properly delete files.
Extra work and enough time
According to the same source, a technical report mentioned that deleting files from hard disks is not enough when the user wants to erase files from the computer, and talked about how to erase information from disks properly.
And the report published by the newspaper “Washington Post” 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 drive 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.” “It will take some extra work, and enough time, to get these files to disappear properly,” he noted.
Correct steps depending on the operating system
Below, the report mentioned the necessary steps to erase information from hard disks inside a working computer, depending on the operating system.
The operating system Windows 8.1
Click on settings, then click on “Change PC settings.”
Click Update and recovery, followed by “Recovery.”
Under the “Remove everything and reinstall Windows” box, click “Get Started.”
After that, you should choose “Fully clean the drive”.
The operating system 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 you select Clean data and Delete files from all drives.
The operating system 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 “Data cleanup” 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.
The operating system Mac
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.
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.
A compact disc or compact disc, according to Wikipedia, is an optical disc used to store data, and was originally made to store audio with digital signals. The side on which the information is stored is coated with a thin layer of pure aluminum and laser beams are used to record data as gaps engraved on very narrow invisible spiral paths on its surface. The path width is 1.6 micrometers and the gap is about 0.85 micrometers (850 nanometers).