Is there anyway to completely erase already deleted files?

[ashxu]

I don't mean a file shredder, but is there a way so the files i've already deleted cannot be recovered? (by file recovery programs etc)

[Nilus]

As far as I know the only way to do that is to physically destroy the hard drive with something like Thermite.

[ashxu]

erm, well delete the files beyond recovery without destroying the harddrive...

[birkett]

Defrag the drive, then create a file equal to the size of free space. There are programs out there that will do the latter for you - the technique is called zero filling.

[DrTaxi]

[QUOTE=Nilus;17738655]As far as I know the only way to do that is to physically destroy the hard drive with something like Thermite.[/QUOTE]
D'oh,
- he wants to physically remove files he already soft-deleted
- there are methods for erasing the whole hard drive without destroying it

Also what birkett said

[ShaRose]

CCleaner has an option to wipe all free space. That might be what you are after.

[ashxu]

[QUOTE=birkett;17738793]Defrag the drive, then create a file equal to the size of free space. There are programs out there that will do the latter for you - the technique is called zero filling.[/QUOTE]

on it, boss.

Thanks for your help guys.