Deleting one or more files under Windows normally just moves those files to the recycle bin. These files only disappear from view when the recycle bin is full or the user proactively empties it.
When you delete a file on a Windows operating system, you might think that it’s gone forever. However, that’s not entirely true. Even if you press the delete button, the data still exists on your disk. This is because the Windows operating system simply marks the space occupied by the file as available for use. Until the space is overwritten by new data, the old file can be recovered using special software.
This may not seem like a big deal, but it can have serious consequences. If you’re selling or giving away a computer, for example, you might think that deleting all your files is enough to protect your personal information. However, someone with the right skills and tools could easily recover your deleted files and access your sensitive data.
Do not risk your confidential data!
O&O SafeErase works by overwriting the data on the disk with random or predefined patterns. The more times the data is overwritten, the less likely it is to be recoverable. The software has various wiping methods, including the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) 5220.22-M standard, which overwrites the data seven times. It can wipe the entire disk, including the free space, to prevent any traces of data from being left behind.
Also included is the Gutmann method, which overwrites the data 35 times with different patterns. Scheduling and reporting are also core features to enable the safe and regular deletion of sensitive data.
Internet Security
When surfing the Internet, your browser usually stores Internet files unnoticed on your hard drive. These files can provide information about websites you’ve visited or the passwords you’ve entered. It makes no difference whether it involves cookies, data entered on forms, or browsing history – O&O SafeErase lists all the information saved for each browser you use, and you can then delete them individually or together. Once deleted, nobody will be able to detect your Internet traces and your online accounts are protected from data thieves or hackers. Version 18 supports Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome and Firefox.
NEW: Fortress Mode!
Brand new in version 19 is the Fortress Mode. This unique first enables O&O SafeErase to run completely isolated in its own Windows environment, so that no other app or program can run parallel or disturb it. Some Apps hold data to be erased or can prevent access. This not only increases security when deleting sensitive data, it also offers optimal speed and efficiency for the most crucial of operations.
O&O SafeErase 19 supports Windows 11 and Windows 10.
New and main features:
- NEW: Fortress Mode – enables O&O SafeErase to run completely isolated in its own Windows environment, so that no other app can run parallel or disturb it
- NEW: Brand new, modern and more intuitive User Interface
- NEW: Brand new, faster Engine
- Delete an entire computer, no boot medium necessary
- Delete internet traces and temporary program files
- Six methods to permanently delete confidential data
- Detailed reports as proof of deletion
- Analysis tool to search for unsafe deleted files
- Adapted deletion method for SSDs (Solid State Disks) with SolidErase
