How to Erase Data Beyond Recovery? Free Guide
Summary: This write-up is going to evaluate the methods to erase data beyond recovery. Here we will explain in complete detail to delete files beyond recovery using step by step guide. Using these methods, nobody can recover your private or professional information.
Are you selling or disposing of your digital devices such as computers, flash drives, or other devices? So probably you deleted your private or personal information using the shift + Del key and empty your recycle bin and reinstall your device. However, do you think, these steps are enough to erase your data completely and no one can recover your data?
No, these steps are not enough, as anyone can recover your data using any data recovery tool available in the market.
And nowadays, most computers and PC’s come with solid-state drives (SSDs), that are faster in use, but they can be trickier to wipe computer data.
Don’t worry, here we will describe the safest methods to erase data beyond recovery with a complete and step-by-step guide.
How to Delete Files Beyond Recovery?
Here I will show you the 3 safest methods to erase data beyond recovery. All the methods are mentioned below in detail:
However, sometimes happen, when we have to erase data from the system but want to save our data for the future. So, taking a backup of your data is most important.
In the coming paragraphs, first, we will show you how to take a backup of a system for the future and then we will delete files beyond recovery and then overwrite them.
Steps to Create System Image Backup
This is the safest and most direct method to create a copy of your system data as a backup.
- Open the Control Panel in your system.
- Click on the Backup & Restore option from the appearing list.
- Select Create a System Image option from the left panel.
- A new window will appear, here you have to choose the Drive where you want to save data and click on the Next button.
- Choose the Drive that you want to be backed up and click on the Start Backup option.
It will take time, depending on the available data in the system. After taking the complete backup of your data, follow the mentioned methods to erase data beyond recovery.
1 Method: Erase Data Beyond Recovery Using Cipher with Windows PowerShell
Using Cipher with Windows PowerShell can overwrite your erased data. this is the built-in feature in windows that delete files beyond recovery.
- Open Windows PowerShell on your system by searching from the search bar.
- Type cipher /w: folder and click on the Enter button and enter the location where your folder is available. Example: If you want to delete the C folder, then type cipher /w: C:\folder >> Enter button.
- De-allocated space on the folders will be overwritten completely.
Points to be Noted while Erasing Data Beyond Recovery
- Still, data is available in the allocated location, it will not be overwritten.
- Don’t close the windows while performing the task, it will long time to be completed.
- If you will perform this task for large-size files or folders, then it will take all night to be completed.
- It is hard to perform for non-technical users.
2 Method: Delete Files Beyond Recovery using SDelete
SDelete is a CMD-based tool, that allows users to erase files and directories. And remove the free space from the drive.
- Firstly, download and extract the SDelete utility on your windows system.
- After installing the tool, hit Windows + R or Windows +S and type CMD and click on the Enter
- Open the Command Prompt as Admin.
- Locate the SDelete utility by typing the location, for example, if it’s located in D:\tools then put the cd D:\tools and click the Enter button.
- type SDelete >> press Enter and now put the location of the file you want to delete such as type SDelete d:\tools\sample.txt to delete the sample.txt file, that is stored in D Drive.
- You will receive a confirmation message when the process has been done.
Benefits:
- SDelete erases data beyond recovery, which means no one can recover your data now.
- Overwrite your deallocated data for free to delete files securely.
Drawbacks:
- Command Line Interface is not user-friendly for non-technical users.
- Have to be aware of files, folders, and directory locations.
- Time taking and lengthy process, especially for large data files.
- One wrong step will damage your data.
After reading all the manual methods’ benefits and drawbacks, now you can understand why expert tools are better than manual methods.
If you don’t want to face any kind of error and problems while erasing data, then use the 3 methods.
Also Read: How to Wipe Windows 10 Computer?
Method 3: Erase Data Beyond Recovery with Expert Solution
Take the help of the BitRecover BitWipe Wizard, which helps users to delete confidential files beyond recovery. The software has a very simple and user-friendly interface, which makes the software easy to use for all technical and non-technical users.
The software deletes and erases data completely, without saving any private or professional information of yours. It comes with amazing and advanced filters and features, which makes the software the first choice of the US Army, Air Force, Navy, NATO, and other officers.
More advanced features and complete steps to erase data beyond recovery are mentioned below:
Why Choose Expert Tool Over Manual Methods?
- The software provides dual options to add files and folders to delete your individual files and folders that store multiple files at once completely.
- Also, users can erase the data from all drives by enabling the logical drives option.
- Your data will be deleted permanently, and will not be recovered using any tool. Also, we will not save you any information with us.
- After choosing the files/folders or drives, all the data will appear on the software panel. From here you can select the required files and folders that you want to delete permanently.
- Also, the software comes with advanced filter options, which allow users to delete particular or selected data by applying Date Range, To, From, and Subject. And you can also erase specific file extensions by applying in File Mask option.
- The software provides 10+ wipe methods, which ensures that your data is erasing deeply beyond recovery as per your requirements.
Working Steps to Erase Data Beyond Recovery
- Download and install software on your system, that you want to erase.
- If you have files and folders to erase data, then add them using Select Files and Select Folders options.
- Or if you want to clean data from any drive then enable the Logical Drive option and choose the wipe options and drive and hit the “Next” button.
- All the folders and subfolders will appear on the screen, and choose the required folders from here and click on the “Next” button to continue the process.
- If required apply the advanced filter to erase specific or particular data.
- Choose the wipe methods from the list, as per your requirements.
- Lastly, hit the Wipe button and a warning message will appear to click the “OK” button to erase data beyond recovery.
We have mentioned complete information and step by step guide to wipe data beyond recovery. Now you can select the required method, which suits your needs best.
Time to Say Goodbye
Above we have mentioned the methods to erase data beyond recovery. we used manual methods, which overwrite and ensure that no one can recover your data, but it has lots of limitations and drawbacks. To avoid the error-free process, you can take the help of an expert solution, which deletes your data from files, folders, and drives safely. Also, if you have any doubts about the tool, you can try the free trial version for free.