User's Manual

TuneUp Utilities 201 4 © 20 13 C opyright A V G Tec hnologies C Z, s.r.o. A ll rights res erved. 66
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 regularly 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).
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.
9.7.1. How to Securely Delete Data
Launch the TuneUp Shredder module by going to the Clean Up 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 All functions in the Start Center and selecting the
Securely delete data entry under Hard disk.
What would you like to delete?
Files
1. Select Files.
This option lets you search for files on your computer to select them for deletion.
2. Click Add to add a file to be deleted to the list.
The Explorer opens. Double-click on a file to be deleted to add it to the list. Alternatively, you can
drag and drop a file from your opened Explorer or from the Desktop to the list. Select a file with
the mouse and drag it into the list.
The Delete allocated free disk space option overwrites the space that becomes free through
deletion, thereby increasing security of deletion.
If you add a file to the list by mistake, you can remove it again by selecting the entry and
clicking Remove.
3. Click Next to confirm your selection.
You can now select the deletion method you want (see Deletion Methods).
Folders
1. Select Folders.
This option lets you search for folders on your computer to select them for deletion. When a
folder is deleted, all the files it contains will also be deleted. When you select a folder for