Data Removal Recommendations For the general user, the delete or
format command appears to be the logical method of removing
unwanted data files. These methods, however, are like sweeping
something under the carpet: you may not be able to see it, but
it's still there. All that deletion has done is remove the
pointer to the files, with the data itself residing in
unallocated space on the hard drive. This means that data
recovery is possible using various software tools. When
sensitive information is stored on the hard drive of a machine
that is to be surplussed or transferred to another individual or
department, it is therefore imperative that extra measures be
taken to wipe clean the hard drive before the computer leaves
your area of responsibility. This document describes some common
methods and software to assist you with the sanitization
process. It also includes links to articles that provide
detailed technical descriptions of what occurs during this
process. 2.0 Sanitizing Techniques As described in the