Erase file(s): Windows Eraser

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Important: If you are not running an ad blocking program on your browser you will see several advertisements offering to "start download" or "download now" on Eraser's website. These advertisements are not the correct download links; the correct downloads are accessed by hovering over and selecting the build name.
  1. If your computer does not have a copy of Eraser installed, download Eraser from the Eraser website. Scroll down the Eraser download page to the table of builds and click the most recent Build Name to download the most recent "stable" build. (Installation instructions)

    After Eraser is downloaded you can securely erase a single file, folder, or multiple files.

    NOTE: Once a file or folder is erased, it cannot be recovered.
  2. Find the file or folder you want to securely erase.
  3. Right-click the file or folder.
  4. From the drop-down list, choose Eraser and then click Erase.
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  5. A dialog box will ask you if you want to erase the file. Click OK if it is the file you want to securely erase.

Create a task to erase unused disk space

  1. Open Eraser from your system tray or programs.
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  2. In the Eraser Schedule dialog box, right-click the Task Name column and click New Task.
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  3. Click Add Data in the Task Properties dialog box.
  4. Select the Unused disk space option, choose your hard drive from the drop-down menu, and select the Erase cluster tips check box in the Select Data to Erase dialog box.
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  5. Click OK.
  6. In the Task Properties dialog box, next to Task Type, select the Recurring option.
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  7. Optional: Type a Task name.
  8. Click the Schedule tab.
  9. In the Schedule tab, set your preferences for your recurring event (e.g., Weekly, Every 1 week(s), on Tuesday).
    schedule
  10. Click OK.
  11. The Erase Schedule dialog box should now contain your Recurring task.
    • If you want to run the task at an unscheduled time, right-click the task and click Run Now from the drop-down menu.
    • If you want to edit or delete the task, right-click the task and click Edit Task or Delete Task from the drop-down menu.
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