There have been repeated warnings that, when a file is deleted, it really is not gone. The space that it once occupied is made available. With some care and expertise, a deleted file can be recovered - sometimes. This is good news if you have made a mistake and want that deleted file restored. The capacity to restore deleted files is bad news if sensitive information falls into the wrong hands.

There is way to make sure that a deleted file really is gone. Sure Delete essentially overwrites the space and makes the file irretrievable. It is gone after you use Sure Delete:

link: Sure Delete

This free program works for numerous operating systems, including XP. Vista is not listed. The usual disclaimers apply here in that you are responsible for having things in a back-up system. Just make sure that you truly want a file gone or free drive space totally erased. After Sure Delete, there is no way back, so please be careful.

Catherine Forsythe