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How to completely delete all data from iPhone. How to clean your computer from unnecessary files. Remove files with NAS and removal problems on windows

For the irrevocable erasure of the files from the hard drive, certain knowledge is required, and working with USB and SSD drives, you can get into the trap.

Different drives provide different environments to complete file deletion Do you consider the file permanently remote? As if not like this: most of the documents that you were erased lately, safely be in primevaria on your drive. It is bad if you need to pass a colleague like an empty flash drive or you want to sell your old laptop, but it's good if you accidentally removed the result of multi-day work. With the help of the appropriate utilities, your data can be restored in just a couple of clicks with mouse. If you need when reliably and with a guarantee, delete information from the media, you should do a little more operations than the simple press of the Delete key.

The essence of the problem is as follows: Windows operating system is extremely preferable to all files when it comes to remove them. To protect yourself from the user error, after clicking the Delete key, the operating system moves a deleted file to the basket. You can erase it from the basket manually, or after its overflow, an automatic deletion occurs to start the oldest files. The basket size user can set independently for each existing hard disk system. It should be remembered that after cleaning it, and after deleting the file, bypassing the basket (SHIFT + DELETE key combination), the document content remains on the hard disk. The reason is simple: physically file is erased only after the area occupied by it on the hard drive is filled with other data.

Obviously, it would be necessary for such a removal as much time as it goes to normal copying a file. That is why Windows simply marks the corresponding entry data in the main file table (Master File Table) as deleted. This table combines file names with physical blocks on the hard disk. Thus, the contents of the file remains recorded on the hard drive, although the operating system has already been "forgotten."

The same thing happens when you format the carrier. At the same time, the OS fully replaces the main file table and other file system metadata with clean versions. In the data area, all files remain unchanged. The only difference between normal and rapid formatting is that in the latter case, the carrier is not checked for physical errors.

Why Windows only pretends that she erases files?

Windows saves information about each file in the Master File Table. This is a hidden file to which only the operating system has access. It contains file names, as well as metadata, such as the username and its powers to work with the file. In addition, MFT indicates where each file is stored on the hard drive and whether it is fragmented (that is, it is located in several blocks in different sectors of the disk). When you erase the file, it is just marked in the MFT as a remote. The contents of this file remain on the hard drive in the initial state, and the special utilities exploring the hard disk for the presence of a structure of known types of files allow you to restore it without loss. That is why it is important not only to delete confidential data, but also overwrite the disk using specialized utilities. Only this will make the restoration impossible.

Over time, computer performance drops. And this is due primarily with the "litter" of the operating system by temporary files, logs, etc. The best solution in this situation is to reinstall the OS. But what to do, if it's scary yourself on your own, or simply lacks time to adjust the primary parameters and unpacking software? Read our article. She will tell you how to completely clean the computer without deleting Windows.

Types of cleaning of a computer

To solve the task, you need to apply all known methods for increasing PC performance. Performing only one of the items does not guarantee the successful elimination of the problem.

Removal of garbage with CCleaner

This software is cleans all the tails after uninstalling programs, surfing on the Internet and delete files. Therefore, for the initial stage of cleaning the best application is not found. So, do the following:

  1. Download Ccleaner on this link if you do not have it.
  2. Install on the computer, following the tips "Installation Wizard".
  3. Open the application and go to the "Clearing" tab - "Windows".

  4. In the list that appears, check the box opposite those fields, the execution of which you want to run.

    Attention! Deleting temporary files, cleaning the basket, etc. Cancel cannot be canceled. The data will be lost forever!

  5. Next, go to the "Applications" tab and also activate the required fields. This module copes perfectly with cache cleaning, cookie and browser history.


    Attention! Pay attention to the "Saved Passwords" item. When it is activated, all data for logging on sites will be deleted. Create a backup or remove the checkbox.

  6. Now it remains to press the "Cleaning" key, confirm the action and wait for the end of the operation.

  7. After completing this module, go to the "Registry" tab. Here, by default, all parameters are selected, edit which is not recommended.
  8. Now click "Search for problems", and after scanning - "Fix".

  9. In a new window, refuse to create a backup.


Release of RAM

The population of RAM is one of the most important factors. There is no short instructions for cleaning, it is necessary to approach the question with all seriousness. Therefore, we recommend reading the article: ""

Defragmentation of a hard disk

This event not only increases the performance of the system, but also extends the life of the equipment. Users constantly copy, move and delete files. It leaves a serious imprint on the functioning of the hard drive.

The fact is that during the above manipulations with an object, the data is written to free memory cells. If the file is too big and does not fit on a specific area, it is divided (fragmented) and recorded at different parts of HDD. This, in turn, increases the response time of the Winchester to the provision of information and causes the "brazing".

Attention! This operation will completely delete all the data. Create a backup of important files. Do not format the system section!

I will finish this. Now you know how to completely clean the computer without deleting Windows. Be careful with formatting and maintain a computer in software cleanliness. Good luck!

Good day dear friend. If you decide to sell the old computer or laptop that served you faithfully, you had a completely logical question - how to clean your computer or laptop before selling.

Why do you need cleaning before selling? Here are two options:

  • delete all personal information
  • delete all unnecessary applications and clean the system in order to increase speed. Otherwise, the competent buyer will be able to reduce the price without problems.

Preparing a computer for sale we will be in several stages:

  1. Delete all programs except basic
  2. Formatting non-system sections
  3. Cleaning the system

Of course, before cleaning, you must copy the information you want to keep on some carrier. If there is no flash drive at hand, you can use Google and Yandex disk.

Remove programs before selling a computer:

Since we need to clean your computer or laptop without losing performance, the Ctrl + A SHIFT delete version will not suit us. In general, I extremely I do not recommend deleting the program to delete the program folder.

There is one only correct way to remove programs from a computer.

Click "Start"\u003e "Control Panel"

Select the "Delete Programs" section


Choose a program from the list and click "Delete". The uninstaller has its own program. But in most cases, we click "OK"\u003e "Next"\u003e "Next", etc. Please note that in some cases you will be offered a choice between "Upgrade" and "Delete". As you probably guessed, choose Delete.

Unfortunately, the deletion of several programs immediately cannot be, so it will have to wait for the end of the current process to start a new one.

Thus, remove all programs except drivers, office, browser and archiver

Formatting disks before selling a computer:

Formatting will delete absolutely all data from the hard disk. We will format all sections except the systemic (drive C :).

Open "My Computer" and click right-click on the desired local disk


Select the item "Formatting"


Be sure to remove the checkbox from the "Fast (Cleaning Table)" item and click Start. The duration of the formatting procedure depends on the volume of the partition.

We repeat the procedure for all sections, except for systemic

How to clean the system before selling a computer:

You can ask any question regarding computer themes, mobile devices, site creation and the like. We will try to respond as quickly as possible and informative.

In order to provide full file deletion Winchester requires certain knowledge, and working with USB and SSD drives, you can get trap. Do you consider the file permanently remote? As if not like this: most of the documents that you were erased lately, safely be in primevaria on your drive. In this article I will tell you how to get rid of them forever.

When you want to reliably and with a warranty, delete information from the media, you should do a little more operations than the simple press of the Delete key.

The essence of the problem of full removal of files from the hard disk is as follows: The Windows operating system is extremely preferable to all files when it comes to remove them. To protect yourself from the user error, after clicking the Delete key, the operating system moves a deleted file to the basket. From the basket it can be erased manually, or after its overflow, it takes the automatic deletion of the oldest files. The basket size user can set independently for each existing hard disk system. It should be remembered that after cleaning it, and after deleting the file bypassing the basket (key combination "SHIFT + DELETE") The content of the document still remains on the hard disk. The reason is simple: physically file is erased only after the area occupied by it on the hard drive is filled with other data.

Obviously, it would be necessary for such a removal as much time as it goes to normal copying a file. That is why Windows simply marks the corresponding entry data in the main file table (Master File Table) as deleted. This table combines file names with physical blocks on the hard disk. Thus, the contents of the file remains recorded on the hard drive, although the operating system has already been "forgotten."

The same thing happens when you format the carrier. At the same time, the OS fully replaces the main file table and other file system metadata with clean versions. In the data area, all files remain unchanged. The only difference between normal and rapid formatting is that in the latter case, the carrier is not checked for physical errors.

Why Windows does not delete files completely?

Windows saves information about each file in the Master File Table. This is a hidden file to which only the operating system has access. It contains file names, as well as metadata, such as the username and its powers to work with the file. In addition, MFT indicates where each file is stored on the hard drive and whether it is fragmented (that is, it is located in several blocks in different sectors of the disk). When you erase the file, it is just marked in the MFT as a remote. The contents of this file remain on the hard drive in the initial state, and the special utilities exploring the hard disk for the presence of a structure of known types of files allow you to restore it without loss. That is why it is important not only to delete confidential data, but also overwrite the disk using specialized utilities. Only this will make the restoration impossible.

To date, ways to destroy information developed in the 1990s are considered outdated. Among them, for example, Peter Gutman's method, which provides 35-fold rewriting by random and structured data. This algorithm should provide a multiple change in the polarity of the magnetic carrier at each point so that even a magnetic microscope cannot detect the remains of the original polarity of the hard drive. This is wonderful, only here the HDD container in one terabyte will be cleaned in this way for five days, while spending resources of mechanical and electronic systems.

For Winchesters made after 2001 and with a capacity of more than 15 GB, Peter Gutman recommends that the maximum reliable method of one-time overwriting by random data. Craig Wright's scientist conducted a test in his laboratory, removing testimony from the surface of the magnetic plates using special measuring instruments. During the experiment, he found out that on modern hard drives, simple rewriting of free space zeros does not allow you to restore deleted files. He managed to determine with a 56 percent probability, the initial content of the remote bit on a pre-known position. The probability of the recovery of the byte (that is, a separate letter) in the text document at the same time is 0.09%. If the bit position is unknown, and the file size is large, the probability of the file recovery is almost equal to zero.

Optical rewritable drives, such as CD or DVD-RW, must be cleaned before recycling like hard drives, that is, the free space on them must be filled with random data. If we are talking about non-recipient disks, they should simply be broken into a large number of small parts (for example, using an office shredder). If there are no technical means for the destruction of optical disks, then it is possible to scratch to the maximum possible depth and on the entire surface of the side of the disk on which the inscriptions are applied. The fact is that under the layer of varnish on it there is a reflective layer, which contains recorded information, and its destruction makes it impossible to read the data.

For daily use, a simple utility is required that would provide in practice reliable deletion of files. The developers of the open source program called Eraser set themselves the task of creating exactly such a tool. After installing the utility integrates into the context menu of the conductor. By right-clicking on the desired file, you must select "Eraser | Erase ", after which the file content is overwritten by a random set of data. The method of deleting a file can be selected in the settings menu ("Settings") in the main window. The fast method called "Pseudorandom Data (1 Pass)" is quite reliable, so even the special services are unlikely to be able to cope with the recovery of the remote file.

SSD and USB drives: information fragments remain

Due to the fact that the memory cells of flash drives have a limited number of overwriting cycles, manufacturers integrate a greater amount of memory in SSD-hard drive than indicated in the passport. In the process of operation, the controller distributes access to cells so that they are evenly involved. This introduces the Eraser to delust the program, since instead of the necessary sectors, the controller sends to her completely different cells.

In principle, the contents of the released cells can be erased only if you specify your SSD drive "Trim" command in manual mode. This is possible only when using utilities from the manufacturer. But in this case, you will not be able to fully control the process. Thus, for the final elimination of one single file, you will have to clean the entire SSD-hard drive. At the same time, the data will be removed not only from those cells that see Windows, but also from all flash memory, including backup areas. It can be done using the utilities from the manufacturer of SSD-Winchester, such as Intel SSD Toolbox or Oczs Firmware Update and Toolbox.

If there is no such utility for your SSD drive, you can practic in working with the command line in a DOS program called HDDerase. To do this, using the UnetBoot, create a free-dos bootable USB flash drive and copy the HDDERASE.EXE program to it. After that, in the BIOS, switch the SATA controller to the IDE compatibility mode and start the computer from the bootable external carrier you created. Note that the loading flash drive will be determined not as a disk A: - the letter of this disk is likely to be C: (but maybe some other). By running the HDDERASE program, you should specify the correct drive letter, which is cleaned. And the utility from the manufacturer of the SSD-Winchester, and the HDDERASE transmit SATA commands to internal SSD drives and hard drives, so that their controllers make it completely and securely overwrite all memory. The side effect of such a "low-level rubbing" is to accelerate the operation of the old solid-state disk. If your SSDVinchester is not equipped with high performance maintenance technologies ("Trim" or "Garbage Collection" commands - the assembly procedure and deletion of unused data), then after long work it starts to slow down. The procedure for overwriting the memory cells allows you to speed up the work of the drive to the level of the new.

If you want to save on an SSD installed operating system and (or) program, before starting to clean the media, you should create its image (described how to create it). Please note that for this purpose you need to use such an application that perceives only the files visible by the operating system. Suitable, for example, True Image from Acronis.

So, after cleaning the SSD, transfer the image created earlier and work as before. If you install a new operating system on a solid state drive, we recommend immediately creating an encrypted container for confidential files - for example, using the TrueCrypt program.

Clean SSD in Windows System

In order not to leave on SSD parts of remote files, there is a simple, but not too recommended method for technical reasons. It is suitable only if your SSD Winchester has only one section that takes the entire disk entirely, and it is free at least 10%. So, first delete all the files by pressing the "SHIFT + DELETE" combination. After that, run the Eraser program and in its settings, set the method of rubbing the free space by default, that is, in three passages. Then in the conductor, right-click the SSD drive letter and select Eraser from the context menu. Erase Free Space. After that, the program will record random data on a lined solid-state disk, including work memory and backup cells. Thus, many backup cells will be overwritten. The remaining data that are in separate memory cells, of course, can be restored, but the result of this procedure is completely unpredictable. After all, to fully restore the file, it would be necessary to count the entire size of the SSD drive, including the backup cells that the controller diligently hides from the operating system. Immediately I want to warn that such a way should not be applied too often, as it reduces the service life of the solid-state disk due to total rewriting of cells.

Remove files with NAS and removal problems on windows

Along with the risks described above, there are other problems associated with the reliability of file deletion. So, to the hard drives installed in the home network storage (NAS), you are not directly accessing, but through the network interface, which makes it difficult to erase the information. File systems of such storage (based on Linux) are partially operating with special data recovery logs. Thus, for absolute confidence in the reliability of file deletion, you should remove discs from the repository before selling and clean them with any of the methods described above, and then set back.

Regardless of the type of media, the Windows operating system sometimes refuses to delete some files. In this case, caution is needed, as the cause of the "strike" of the OS can be either the need for this system itself, or a running program that refers to a deleted file. In Windows 7, an error message contains information about which application has opened this file. If this utility does not close or the monitor screen is lost, then look in the task manager (it starts with the KTRL + SHIFT + ESC key) functioning process and complete it forcibly. If it did not help, you have to restart the computer and try to remove the ill-fated file after restarting. In the Eraser utility, this includes an appropriate option called "Erase On Restart".

In case of failure, use the Unlocker utility. Right-click on the name of the file being deleted and select the "Unlocker" menu item. The program will show how the file deleted is blocked. You can "kill" it immediately or choose from the drop-down list you need for a file (delete, renaming or moving). This action will be executed immediately after clicking on the "OK" button. By default, this utility moves a deleted file to the basket, so then it must be cleaned using the Eraser program.

Full deleting files using USB flash drives

The Darik's Boot and Nuke utility specializes in cleaning the hard drives of a computer that is no longer runs due to the software failure. When the software ceases to function, it is this utility that will help clean hard drives of the computer. To do this, unpack the archive to any folder on the PC and run the program for creating the boot flash drive - Universal USB Installer. From the top drop-down menu, select DBAN 2.2.6, and from the bottom - the letter of the empty USB drive and press the "CREATE" button. After that, start the computer from the created bootable media by clicking after turning on the PC key "F8" or "F12". If nothing happens, then in the BIOS settings you need to select a USB drive as the first bootable media. Immediately after starting, the menu will appear, and if you want to clean all the hard drives available in the system, then specify the Autonuke command, press the "ENTER" button and allow the program to work your own. It can last for several hours.

If you need to clean only a specific hard disk, then after launching dban, click on "ENTER". An interactive menu appears in which you can choose Winchesters, data from which must be completely erased.

Check full deletion of files

The best way to check the effectiveness of a particular file deletion method is an attempt to restore remote information. For this purpose there are so many different utilities.

Remote File Program

Install the program PC Inspector File Recovery. Then remove the files from the media (it must have a FAT or NTFS file system) by pressing the "Shift + Delete" key combination. After that, run PC Inspector File Recovery. Select the "Search of Lost Data" tab in the window and start the search procedure with preset parameters. You will be surprised by finding how many files you deleted can be restored after that. Control documents should appear in the folder called "Deleted". Restore the desired file is performed by clicking the right mouse button on it. During our testing, the PC Inspector program could not recover data from formatted media, as well as its competitor - NTFS undelete.

Another utility called DiskInternals NTFS Recovery found a number of files on an formatted media, but did not define their names. PC Inspector is a free program, and NTFS undelete and diskinternals NTFS Recovery are paid.



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