How to Scrub Data From Your Computer

by Darla Ferrara

Many people think deleting a file removes it from your hard drive. When you hit that delete button, the operating system marks the space as open and free. The information remains until something overwrites it. It is a little like throwing a note in the garbage. That note continues to exist is some form. Even though you can’t see it anymore, someone else might still read it. Scrubbing will overwrite every gigabyte with data, removing even deleted files. If you have old hard drives to dispose of, do it in a safe manner and scrub the data first.

1

Back up your hard drive if you wish to save the information. You can do this manually or use a software program, such as DriveImage XML (see Resources for link).

2

Download software known as a hard drive scrubber. Most will overwrite your hard drive by simply filling it up with zeros. There are a number of options available for hard drive scrubbing. Sure Delete, produced by Wizard-Industries, is a free, downloadable source. A few others include Hard Disk Scrubber 2 and DBAN. If you want to save the program for future use, burn it to a CD.

3

Run the scrubber software and follow the instructions provided.

4

Remove the hard drive and dispose of it.

Items you will need

References

About the Author

Writing since 1999, Darla Ferrara is an award-winning author who specializes in health, diet, fitness and computer technology. She has been published in "Mezzo Magazine" and Diet Spotlight, as well as various online magazines. Ferrara studied biology and emergency medical technology at the University of Nebraska and Southeast Community College.

Photo Credits

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