subject: Common Misconceptions About Erasing Hard Drive Data [print this page] When people think of erasing hard drive data, most would not understand the need for the use of specialized software to do so. This is because most people who are not really into computers or the way computer hardware and software programs work, would fall into the common misconceptions that are associated with the task of erasing data or files from your hard drives.
Here are some examples of these common misconceptions when they erase hard drive data:
Emptying the Recycle bin is sufficient for removing files:
One of the more common misconceptions is that simply deleting the file and emptying the recycle bin is sufficient to erase hard drive data. This is because they think that since they are unable to access or recover the file anymore (no more undo option), then no one else would be able to access the file as well.
Unfortunately, there are software programs that are custom built in order to find files that have already been emptied out of the recycle bin. Thus, emptying the recycle been is an insufficient method to erase hard drive data.
The one that Im selling my hard drive too would not search through my files:
Actually, there are some unscrupulous people who would purchase hard drives just in the off chance that they would be able to scavenge some form of personal information that is hidden within them. Some would be able to loot out credit card information, which they would then use to get some money from you.
If you would think that selling your friend would be better, then it may be true to a certain extent. After all, your friend may be hacked or suffer a virus, that could still dig through the files stored inside the hard drive. As such, even if the friend is not intentionally searching through your data, you are still put at risk because of the hackers.
That is why you must truly use a good software to erase hard drive data to ensure that you would not be scammed when you sell or give away your hard drive to other people.
