Want permanent data deletion? There’s a free version of Hardwipe that will do that.
“Hardwipe can not only wipe drives and USB media, but can also sanitize the Windows Recycle Bin, overwrite selected files and folders, and clean unused drive space of unwanted remnant data. Furthermore, you can run Hardwipe as a standard-alone application, or use its convenient "right-click" context menus from within the Windows File Explorer.” – Hardwipe
Features:
Hardwipe lets you "hard wipe":
- Physical Devices
- Logical Volumes
- Files & Folders (inc. sub-trees)
- Windows Recycler Bins
- Free Drive Space
Features also include:
- Explorer "right-click" context menus
- Overwrite verification
- Visual audit log of sanitization tasks
- Background mode for lengthy tasks
- Automatic computer shutdown on task completion
- Multilingual support with additional language packs
What does it look like?
Right click menu:
There are many options for use on the free version. I couldn’t find a comparison of features table comparing versions. I did find the mention of only one feature missing from the free version: ‘Wipe Physical Drive’ which overwrites all accessible storage of the physical device, including all partition and volume information.
You can read about the software and what it does here: http://www.hardwipe.com/user_guide.html#special_features
The download link here: http://www.hardwipe.com/download.html
There’s an msi version as well as a portable one…which might help the family computer repair man (yes Wiz, that means you).
As always, before installing ANYTHING on your computer:
1. Do your own research about the software.
2. Determine your need.
3. Create a restore point in case anything goes wrong during the installation.
4. If you haven’t done a backup within the past week, do one. It’s painless and saves quite a bit of regret.
5. Always choose "Custom" or "Advanced" installation if offered. That will allow you to view whether the software comes in a wrapper with toolbars, home page and search engine switchers or other software/Adware you might not want.
Source: http://www.hardwipe.com/