Most computer users are aware that when a specific file is deleted, it is not permanently erased but rather remains stored on the storage unit from which the file was deleted, whether it is a flash drive, CD, hard disk, or even memory cards for phones. This is done to recover deleted data again. We have previously learned how to recover deleted files and the tools that do that, so it is advised not to sell hard drives, memory cards, or any storage devices at all.
However, you can ensure that sensitive files are deleted from your computer in a way that prevents their retrieval in the future. There are tools available to securely delete files, such as DeleteOnClick. Windows comes with a tool to do this task, so let us review it for you in this article.
The tool in question is Cipher.exe, but it is not a standalone tool. It is a command within Windows commands that is written in the CMD command prompt. It is used to write on storage units to permanently delete deleted files so that they cannot be recovered or accessed. In other words, the tool creates dummy files on the flash drive or hard disk to store them instead of the deleted files. Therefore, if anyone tries to detect the deleted files for recovery, they will only find the dummy files created by the tool. In general, the tool can be used to delete an entire folder or format storage units safely.
All you have to do is open the CMD command prompt by pressing the Windows logo key + R on the keyboard to display the Run window, where you type the command “cmd” and press OK to display the black command prompt window. In this window, you will write the following command if you want to delete a folder, file, or any connected storage unit:
cipher /w:driveletter:\foldername
Before pasting the command into the command prompt window, there are some modifications that need to be done. The first modification is to replace driveletter with the letter of the storage unit where the folders and files you want to delete safely are located. Note that this letter is located next to the drive name. The second modification is to replace foldername with the name of the folder you want to remove from this drive. If you want to format the drive completely, simply delete foldername from the command. In any case, after editing the command as required, copy and paste it into the command prompt window, then press Enter to execute the command.
The command will now start filling the empty space on this drive with dummy files to delete the deleted files. The command has three stages: the first is 0×00, where a file is created to fill this empty space completely, then stage 0×FF to create another file in the same space, and the random write stage. You should be aware that this process takes a long time depending on the space of the drive you want to format or the folder. However, be patient until the three stages are completed, and afterwards, you will not worry about the files you deleted from this drive because if you try to recover the deleted files using recovery programs, you will not get any results.
