Eraser - secure file removal

Eraser is used to permanently delete sensitive data. It can also clean a digital storage device of all recoverable data.

Homepage www.heidi.ie/eraser Computer Requirements All Windows Versions Version used in this guide 5.86a License Free and Open-Source Software

Installing Eraser Read the brief Hands-on Guide Introduction Click the Eraser icon below and 'Open' or 'Run' the installer. If necessary, save the installer first, then find it and doubleclick it If you saved the installer to your computer, you may delete it after installation Eraser:

Required Reading

• How-to Booklet chapter 6. How to destroy sensitive information

Level: 1: Beginner, 2: Average, 3: Intermediate, 4: Experienced, 5: Advanced

Time required to start using this tool: 20 minutes

What you will get in return:

• The ability to permanently delete unwanted files from your computer
• The ability to delete all recoverable files that are currently invisible on your computer

1.1 Things you should know about this tool before you start

Eraser is used to permanently delete or 'wipe' sensitive data from your computer. It does this by writing over the data you want to delete. You can select files or folders to be wiped in this way. Eraser will also delete copies of files that may exist in your computer without your knowledge. This includes files you have previously deleted using the standard Windows deletion method, and copies of documents you have worked on in the past.

1. Deleting files with Eraser can be done on demand or scheduled to run at a specified times.
2. If you schedule Eraser to run at a certain time, then your computer must be switched on at the specified time or the wipe will not happen.
3. Once you have deleted a file using Eraser, it cannot be recovered using a file recovery program.
4. For greater security, you should set Eraser to overwrite files selected for deletion between 3 and 7 times.
5. Eraser can be used to wipe the free space off your computer. This refers to permanently wiping all past traces of work that may not have been properly deleted and could, in theory, have been recovered.