Eraser

When you want to really get rid of data from a hard drive or flash drive then you'll need to wipe the data. This encompases overwriting the data with bits of random data multiple times. When you delete a file in Windows you're removing the pointer the points toward the place the data is kept on the drive. The data is still there even though you don't see it. It will eventally be written over with new data since that area is marked as unused, but who knows when that may be.

erasing files and folders

There are different ways of running Eraser. You can run the program directly, or use the option in the right mouse button menu while in Windows Explorer.

Here's how to use the main program window for erasing.

1. After starting the program click on On-Demand on the left-side of the window.
2. Click on File then select New Task.
3. Starting on the Data tab you'll have the option of wiping Unused space on a drive, Files in folder, or File. Choose the one you wish to perform by clicking the radio button next to it. They're self-explanatory.
4. When choosing Files in folder or File you can press the ... button to the right to browse files and folders.
5. Click on the OK button when done.
6. You should see the directory listed in the first row of the main window. To start click on the Task menu then select Run All.
7. You'll receive a warning that you will not be able to recover the files. Click Yes to ackowledge.
8. When it is finished you'll be presented with a report. Click on Close.

scheduling Eraser

If you want to erase particular folders or files on a regular basis you can schedule Eraser to run on those files/folders on certain days.

1. In the main window click on Scheduler on the far-left.
2. Click on File then select New Task.
3. Starting on the Data tab you'll have the option of wiping Unused space on a drive, Files in folder, or File. Choose the one you wish to perform by clicking the radio button next to it.
4. When choosing Files in folder or File you can press the ... button to the right to browse files and folders.
5. Click on the Schedule tab along the top.
6. Choose when to run. You can run it every day, a particular day of week, or upon reboot ofthe computer. Fill in a time also. The check box is to specify PM time, otherwise the job is performed in the AM.
7. Click on the OK button when done.
8. When that day and time rolls around the erasure will occur. If the computer is off during that time period then the next time the computer is turned on the erasure will occur.

various erasing schemes

There are various ways to erase files. A simple rule is that more passes is better, but takes longer. You can check out the technical details of each method on-line.

To choose a method simply click on the Files tab when setting up the task. Click on the one to use.

erase temporary files

Eraser can be used to securely remove temporary files from your computer on a regular basis. The temporary files you'll want to erase are typically kept in the following locations:

• C:\Documents and Settings\UserName\Local Settings\Temp\
• C:\Documents and Settings\UserName\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\
• C:\Windows\temp\