Step-by-Step Guide: How to Permanently Delete Files in Windows 7

Deleting files permanently in Windows 7 involves more than just sending them to the Recycle Bin. This guide will take you through the step-by-step process to ensure that your files are permanently removed from your system.

Step 1: Deleting Files Using the Recycle Bin

1. Open Windows Explorer:

   • Click on the "Start" button.
   • Select "Computer" to open Windows Explorer.

2. Navigate to the File Location:

   • Use the Explorer to browse to the location of the file you wish to delete.

3. Delete the File:

   • Right-click on the file and select "Delete."
   • This action moves the file to the Recycle Bin.

4. Open the Recycle Bin:

   • Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.

5. Permanently Delete the File:

   • In the Recycle Bin, find the file you deleted.
   • Right-click on the file and select "Delete."
   • Confirm the deletion to permanently remove it.

Step 2: Permanently Delete Without Using the Recycle Bin

1. Select the File:

   • Navigate to the folder where the file is located in Windows Explorer.

2. Delete with Shift Key:

   • Select the file.
   • Press and hold the "Shift" key on your keyboard.
   • Right-click on the selected file and choose "Delete."
   • Confirm the prompt to permanently delete the file.

Step 3: Using Command Prompt

1. Open Command Prompt:

   • Click the "Start" button.
   • Type "cmd" in the search box.
   • Right-click "cmd.exe" in the results and select "Run as administrator."

2. Navigate to File Location:

   • Use the cd command to change directories to where the file is located.
   • For example: cd C:\Users\YourUsername\Documents

3. Delete the File:

   • Type del filename.ext and press "Enter," replacing filename.ext with the actual file name and extension.
   • This command permanently deletes the file without using the Recycle Bin.

Step 4: Using a Third-Party File Shredder

1. Download a File Shredding Software:

   • Some popular options include CCleaner, Eraser, or File Shredder.

2. Install the Software:

   • Follow the installation instructions specific to the software you choose.

3. Shred the File:

   • Open the software.
   • Select the file you wish to permanently delete.
   • Use the software’s shred or erase feature to remove the file completely.

4. Follow Prompts:

   • Confirm any prompts to securely erase the file.

Step 5: Disable System Restore (Optional)

This step ensures deleted files can’t be recovered via system restore points, but it disables the ability to restore your system to previous states.

1. Open System Properties:

   • Right-click "Computer" and select "Properties."
   • Click "System protection" on the left.

2. Configure System Restore:

   • Under "Protection Settings," select the drive and click "Configure."

3. Turn Off Protection:

   • Select "Turn off system protection."
   • Click "Apply" and then "OK."

Conclusion

These steps will help you ensure that files are permanently deleted from your Windows 7 system. Always double-check the files you’re deleting to avoid removing important data permanently. Using specialized third-party shredding software can add an additional layer of security by making recovery attempts more difficult.