When Windows 'deletes' a file it does not actually destroy the contents of the file but rather simply unlinks the file from the file directory system, leaving the contents of the file in the disk sectors. This data will remain there until the operating system uses those sectors when writing new data. Until the old data is overwritten (which take months or longer) it can be recovered by programs that read disk sectors directly, such as forensic software (so called because it is used to obtain evidence in criminal investigations and also in legal discovery). In order to be sure that a deleted file really is deleted, gone for good, its contents never to be seen again, it is necessary to overwrite the data sectors of that file. Data Destroyer purges data in files, where 'purge' means to destroy, to eliminate completely by overwriting, so that the data cannot be recovered by any means. Data Destroyer allows you to destroy the contents of a file by overwriting it several times (or many times) with random bytes, and with bytes with alternating bit patterns, before the file is deleted. Data Destroyer can purge: a single file, all files in a folder, all files in a folder and all files in its subfolders, a specified subset of files in a folder and (optionally) in its subfolders, all files whose file dates are before a specified date, all files in selected subfolders (or in selected subfolders of a folder). This software checks for possible errors in user input, and is designed to minimize the chance of accidentally purging a file that you wish to keep. Another feature of Data Destroyer is that you can get an estimate of the time required to perform a purge operation.
VERSION HISTORY
- Version 13.31 posted on 2013-06-11
Now fully compatible with Windows 8 - Version 9.91 posted on 2009-01-16
Fixed bug in selection of top-level folders for exclusion.
Program Details
- Category: Security & Privacy > Other
- Publisher: Hermetic Systems
- License: Free Trial
- Price: $29.95
- Version: 13.31
- Platform: windows
EULA
'Hermetic Systems' is the business name of Peter Meyer, [email protected], the developer of this software, and the owner and maintainer of the 'Hermetic Systems' website. The 'Data Destroyer' software ("the Software") consists of the executable file and the other files installed by the installation program dd_setup.exe obtainable from the 'Hermetic Systems' website (including any future versions). The Software is protected by copyright, which is owned by Hermetic Systems. The Software may be downloaded from the 'Hermetic Systems' website or another authorized download site solely for the purpose of its evaluation with regard to the purchase of a user license. Neither the installation program nor any work derived from it may be distributed further by any means (including via CD or the web) without the permission of the copyright holder. All intellectual property rights related to the Software are owned by Hermetic Systems. You may not rent or lease the Software. You may not modify, translate, reverse engineer, decompile or disassemble the Software or any part thereof or otherwise attempt to derive source code or create derivative works therefrom. You may not remove, alter or destroy any proprietary, trademark or copyright markings or notices contained within the Software. You may not sell or offer for sale any derivative work. Any rights not explicitly granted by Hermetic Systems are reserved. In return for a license fee paid to Hermetic Systems or to one of its authorized representatives or resellers you are granted a license to use the Software in its fully-functional form and you are provided with activation keys for each installation of the Software as follows: (A) If you are a natural person then you receive a single-user license and this entitles you to install, activate and use the Software on a reasonable number of personal computers (e.g., a laptop and a desktop) in your private household or office. (B) If you are an entity other than a natural person (e.g., a corporation) then you are required to purchase a number of single-user licenses equal to the maximum number of persons who will be using the software at any one time. The function of an activation key is to remove any temporal or functional limitations on a particular installation of the Software. A separate activation key is required for each installation (in other words, an activation key works only on a particular computer). For some programs there are three types of user license: 3-month, 1-year and time-unlimited (a 'perpetual' license). 3-month and 1-year licenses allow use of the software for the stated period beginning on the date of purchase of the license. At the termination of the license period the software will revert to a functionally limited 'demo' version. It may be reactivated by purchasing a new license. In the event that a later version of the software is released, you may update an installation at no charge by downloading and installing the new version. If you change your computer (or make a major hardware modification) you may need to obtain a new activation key. This can be obtained in the same way as before (and at no charge), provided that, in the opinion of Hermetic Systems, the number and frequency of such new activation keys is not unreasonably excessive. A user license is not transferable. Installation of the Software constitutes an agreement that the Software is provided "as is", without any warranties or guarantees. Hermetic Systems makes every effort to ensure that the software is error-free and performs as stated in the online user manual, but does not guarantee this. You assume responsibility for selecting the Software and using it for your intended purposes. In no event shall Hermetic Systems, its resellers or distributors of the Software be liable for any any damages whatsoever arising out of use or inability to use the Software, even if advised of the possibiity of such damages. Note that Data Destroyer is for permanently removing data stored on disks. There is no way that data, if overwritten many times, can be recovered. This software must be used with due regard for this fact. Hermetic Systems, its resellers and distributors of the Software will not be responsible for damages of any kind arising from loss of data resulting from the use of this software.