Permanently Delete Files with TuneUp Shredder [Quick Tip]

By Rich on November 13, 2011 (3 Comments)

TuneUp Shredder is one of the many utilites that comes with TuneUp Utilities 2012 (full review) and is automatically available* after you install TuneUp Utilities 2012 (trial) (aff)

Even after emptying the Recycle Bin, files can be retrieved from your hard disk until they are physically overwritten. If you want your files deleted, permanently, use TuneUp Shredder to completely remove traces of your files. Doing this is both useful and strongly recommended if:

You sell your PC
You sell your hard drive
You are returning a drive for warranty repair, replacement, or refund
You loan your PC to a friend and you’re not sure what you’ve deleted recently
Your PC is borrowed (school loaner, corporate laptop etc.)

To shred a file:

1. Install TuneUp Utilities 2012 (trial) (aff)

Either

2a. Right click a file you want to delete and click TuneUp Shredder

3a. Click Yes

2b. Open TuneUp Utilities, click Gain disk space, and click Securely delete data

3b. Choose whether you want to shred files, folders, or your recycle bin and click Next. Then add the files or folders you want to delete, and click Next

4b. Choose your deletion method, click Next, and click Yes to confirm deletion

Now give yourself a pat on the back (watch your tin foil hat… you don’t want to damage it :)

*If you chose a custom installation of TuneUp Utilities 2012, you will need to leave TuneUp Shredder checked:

About Rich

Rich is the owner and creator of Windows Guides; he spends his time breaking things on his PC so he can write how-to guides to fix the problems he creates.

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