A program for wiping deleted files in the Windows Recycle Bin by overwriting them repeatedly so that the data cannot be recovered. The program is simple to use, and works with all versions of Windows from Windows 98 to Windows 8. It is trilingual: English/German/Spanish. The Recycle Bin is where files go to when you "delete" them — though they are not really deleted, just moved; and not even really moved, just marked as deleted. It is well-known that 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 re-uses those sectors when writing new data. Until the old data is overwritten (and this may 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). If you wish to make sure that information in files containing confidential information (such as financial data, company plans, proposals, etc.) can never be recovered after deletion then you need a program such as this. To securely delete — a.k.a. "wipe" — a file means to overwrite the data in the file many times, so that the data cannot be recovered by any means, and then to remove any reference to the file. Several overwrites (at least) are required for security, since just one may leave magnetic traces of the original data which can be detected by sensitive equipment designed to do this. After you "delete" files, and send them to the Recycle Bin, then to really delete them you can use this software.
VERSION HISTORY
- Version 4.32 posted on 2014-07-31
Improved error reporting. - Version 2.32 posted on 2013-10-01
Program Details
- Category: Security & Privacy > Other
- Publisher: Hermetic Systems
- License: Free Trial
- Price: $14.75
- Version: 4.32
- 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 'Recyle Bin Wiper'' software ("the Software") consists of the executable file and the other files installed by the installation program rbw_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). 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 Recycle Bin Wiper is for permanently removing files in the Windows Recycle Bin. 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.