User's Manual

Securely Deleting Data
In the following chapters, you will find out how you can use the TuneUp Shredder module to permanently
delete files, folders and the Recycle Bin and why it is important to do so.
Securely Deleting Data Afterwards
If you have deleted a sensitive file in a "normal" way, you cannot subsequently delete it with TuneUp Shredder.
However we have a tip for you:
When you defragment hard disks, any deleted files are normally overwritten and cannot be recovered
afterwards. Simply use TuneUp Drive Defrag to subsequently increase the security of a normal deletion
method (see How to Defragment Your Hard Disk, p. 72).
Introduction
When you delete a file, it generally ends up in the Recycle Bin. In Windows, this Recycle Bin is simply a folder
that collects files for deletion. Retrieving a file from the Recycle Bin is child's play and therefore many users reg-
ularly empty the Recycle Bin or delete their files without sending them to the Recycle Bin, in order to feel that
the file has been securely deleted.
Note however that when you delete a file, Windows does not actually remove it altogether - its entire content
remains on the hard disk. Windows merely marks the file as "deleted" from the file system and releases the space
taken up by the file so that it can be used again. Until this disk space is used again, it is relatively easy to restore
this file (e.g. with TuneUp Utilities -> Restoring Deleted Files, p. 98).
However, if you want to be absolutely sure that even professionals could not restore your sensitive data, use
TuneUp Shredder to irreversibly delete files, folders and the Recycle Bin. You can choose the most suitable of
three different Deletion Methods, p. 89.
How to Securely Delete Data
Launch the TuneUp Shredder module by going to the Gain disk space category in the Start Center and selecting
Securely delete data from the Analyze storage usage and delete data area.
Alternatively, you can start the module by going to Overview of all functions in the Start Center and selecting
the Securely delete data entry under Hard disk.
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