Shredder

tweets

I am thinking of downloading a free shredder on my laptop instead of using the recycle bin ? Do you think this is a good idea ? I have been googling them and am unsure also which would you recommend for Windows Vista ?

santer_2

CCleaner has an option to overwrite files in the recycle bin

tweets

Thank you santer. Is CCleaner safe to use with Microsoft Security Essentials ?

santer_2

Have not used Security Essentials but haven't had a problem using CCleaner

You can set it to overwrite from once through to 35 times, though that takes a while

If you have CCleaner, click tools then settings

If not, you can get it here, my preference is for the slim build, this is usually the last version to be updated but hasn't got any additional programmes and toolbars etc

http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/builds

Maybe wait a day or so to see if anyone posts anything against using it with security essentials

If you use the scan for issues, take the option to back up the registry

tweets

Thank you for your help. I will do what you say and wait incase i get anymore replies

fenlander_uk

Are you talking about the paid version of CCleaner? There is no file shredder for the recycle bin in the free edition: there is a drive wiper that lets you can wipe free space on a nominated drive or an entire drive (not a quick process) and the general clean up option lets you delete the contents of the recycle bin but this does not actually shred the files.

If you want a quick free fileshredder, I'd recommend https://www.fileshredder.org. No compatibility issues with MSE. Bear in mind though that the function of a file shredder is exactly the opposite to that of the recycle bin. The latter makes it possible to recover files easily after you have deleted them. The shredder makes it impossible!

closed

why do you want to shred?

santer_2

fenlander_uk wrote: »

Are you talking about the paid version of CCleaner? There is no file shredder for the recycle bin in the free edition

File shredders overwrite

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_does_a_file_shredder_actually_do

EchoLocation

CCleaner has, as far as I know, no issues with MSE. I can't see any reason why it would.

CCleaner will wipe files from the recycle bin as well as on the fly. There is also Eraser to consider.

Finally, don't be concerned that a 1 pass wipe is not sufficent, it is, so you really don't need to wipe any files with the 35 pass method. It's not any more effective.

shaun_from_Africa

Finally, don't be concerned that a 1 pass wipe is not sufficent, it is, so you really don't need to wipe any files with the 35 pass method. It's not any more effective.

A couple of years ago, one of the IT geeks at the company I work for was adamant that a 1 pass overwrite was useless and the overwritten file could easily be recovered.

I made a word file on a floppy disk and the message stated that if the geek concerned called me on my mobile phone within the next 14 days then I would buy him a couple of cases of beer.
I then gave the folder a CCleaner 1 pass secure clean and gave him the disk.

Surprise surprise no phone call ever came.

googler

tweets wrote: »

I am thinking of downloading a free shredder on my laptop instead of using the recycle bin

Why..........?