How to delete deleted files. How to delete any extra files on the computer

The concept of “memory”, as such, is inherent not only to humans: computer equipment, for example, is equipped with a storage device (HDD, SSD), the functional capabilities of which are primarily designed to record, store and manage the received data. After a certain time has passed, free space on the hard drive becomes smaller and the user is simply forced to erase some of the information. Most likely, not all of you have thought about how to delete deleted files. Nevertheless, the current nature of the issue requires a detailed consideration. After all, the “Delete” button used only creates the illusion that the erased information is destroyed, in fact, everything remains in its place ... The material presented will help you answer a number of questions regarding the multifaceted process of deleting various files from the computer’s hard drive.

How does this happen?

The file system only changes the attribute previously assigned to the remote file, and later (actually filled) disk space can be overwritten. We will not go into technical terms and touch on the first part of the question of how to delete deleted files. To do this, we will resort to a simple example: you must have paid attention to how quickly a file is erased, which, incidentally, has a considerable “weight”, say, 100 MB. However, the process of copying to the hard drive the same amount of data takes a relatively longer period of time. This is because before getting to the HDD, the file is given a name, and the necessary disk space is also reserved, and the corresponding size. Then the system reads the data from the storage medium and, adhering to a certain algorithm, copies them to your hard drive. It is worth noting that the storage speed (the recording process on the HDD) can be radically different relative to the same action performed on other hard drives. The reason for this is primarily: the type of drive, poor readability of the drive (drive), wear of the storage device, and other factors that no less affect the process. But the second part of the question is being solved, paradoxically as it is, with the same recording method, though in a slightly different form.

How to delete deleted files: a specific solution

That is why the efficiency of the hard drive is so high - the system does not spend time on the complete destruction of erased information. All that Windows does is put in the file attribute a “sign” of the remote, that is, it makes the disk space for later recording free. However, considering the unreliability of this method of “recycling”, it is worth remembering that if you wipe personal information in a standard way, it can always be used by attackers or ill-wishers, simply recovering unreliably “buried” data from your hard drive. However, we get ahead of ourselves a bit ... So, in order to permanently delete information, it is necessary to overwrite several times the exact area of ​​the disk in which the file that is not desirable for detection is located. And not just clogging the clusters with new data or resetting the HDD sectors, but confusing the path of finding (rejected markers) of “rejected” zeros and ones, resorting to complex renaming algorithms.

From theory to practice

Only shredders specially created for such operations can help you solve the question “how to delete deleted files” (the English word translates as shredding, chopping, generally destroying). But the variety and specification of the use of these utilities are not always “friendly” in understanding, and some of them are not very practical to use. Therefore, given the fact that you are still not a secret agent, it is prudent to use one of the two methods below.

Option number 1: “insanely” reliable

In the case when you are selling your old hard drive to someone else, or you just decided to say goodbye to an outdated drive forever, you simply cannot find a wiser and easier way to protect yourself from an unwanted information leak.

• Download the Darik's Boot and Nuke utility from the official website.
• The boot image can be written to flash media, a CD or a DVD.
• Of course, the program works from under DOS.
• You will be offered six cleaning methods. It is advisable to use the third from the list: DoD Short.

Option number 2: file shredder

"And how to delete unnecessary files irrevocably, without resorting to the total method of" large-scale stripping "?" - perhaps you ask. In order to erase all signs of the existence of “unwanted data”, install the free program “Eraser”, then follow the instructions:

• Use the Erase Schedule tab.
• Click on the “triangle” icon, select “New task” from the drop-down menu. Or just press Ctrl + N.
• Now indicate the directory in which the “contender for retirement” is located. This is easy enough to do: activate the “Add Data” button.
• Now use the “Browse ...” opposite the “File” checkbox. And select the file to delete.
• In the initial program window, right-click on the directory you specified.
• Now, having resorted to the Run Now command, you will erase data “without the right” to restoration.

Knowing how to permanently delete a file is certainly helpful. However, it is imperative for the user to be aware of other methods of freeing up free space of the drive used. Let's start.

Basic removal methods

Built-in Windows cleaning tools allow us to carry out with some comfort operations for the “disposal” of data that has become uninteresting for us, and to some extent, simply distracting material. The basket is an integral element of almost any OS, whether it be Win or Mac OS. How to delete a file ceases to be a question if there is an icon on the screen that resembles a tank, tank or other garbage container. Nevertheless, sometimes the user has a desire to delete some files, but, strangely enough, does not have the opportunity, since not everything can be subjected to the destruction process, and a “caring system” prevents us from doing this, especially when it comes to OS components.

Is the SyS extension limiting us to something?

In the struggle for free space, the user can afford to disable some OS services and even remove non-critical system components. Nevertheless, before undertaking anything, it is necessary to understand the possible consequences of one’s sometimes rash actions. The question "how to delete the SyS file" is solved differently. However, not everyone knows that by sending a system component to the basket, the user can deprive himself of the pleasure of listening to music, watching videos, enjoying the full-fledged operation of his own OS. After all, drivers also have the SyS extension. Another question is when we want to “trim the powers” ​​of Windows in order to prevent the system from using disk space at our discretion:

• Paging file (pagefile).
• Hibernation mode (hiberfil).
• System configuration (config).

For example, when deleting a page file, you should understand that you have to rely only on RAM. And if your RAM does not cope with current tasks, you will simply “hang”. By disabling data backup for sleep mode, you cannot use the hibernation function. In general, first of all you can harm yourself. And yet, how to delete unnecessary files (if you are really sure about it) in order to save space on the HDD?

When RAM is abundant

If your RAM copes with the “obligations” assigned to it, you can delete the pagefile.sys file:

• We go to the "Control Panel".
• We find the "System" icon.
• In the left part of the interface, click on the item "Advanced Options".
• In the window that opens, in the "Performance" section, click the "Options" button.
• Then activate the tab "Advanced".
• Now click "Change."
• In the upper part of the window, select the system drive.
• Then we put a marker on the item “Without a swap file”, opposite this item, click on the “Set” button.
• Completion: “OK.”

After rebooting, pagefile.sys will be removed.

File that is open

You may have encountered a problem when you were unable to delete a picture, video or text. All this is because the OS blocks operations with open files. You probably watched the video and forgot to close the player or text editor, in which you used the "pretender to destruction." In the case where the question "how to delete an open file" torments you and does not lend itself to logical resolution, you must complete the corresponding process. The task manager in this is a great helper. However, you can resort to an elementary reboot and log into the system through safe mode. What is elementarily achieved as a result of short presses of the “F8” key. Using this login option, it is likely that the file can be eliminated without much difficulty, so to speak using regular OS tools. However, sometimes these tips are also incompetent. But there is always a way out of a difficult situation! Read on.

Unlocker program

Using this software, you will not only get a practical answer to the question of how to delete an open file, but you can also solve a lot of other difficulties when it is not possible to get rid of the “fastidious guest” of your system in any of the ways known to you. It is worth noting that the program is free, easy to use and absolutely “weightless”, that is, it takes up only a few MB of disk space. Nevertheless, the performance and effectiveness of its functionality will significantly save your time and save your nerves. Integrating into Explorer, Unlocker will be available in any scenario. By the way, this program will perfectly cope with the solution to your question "how to delete protected files." However, more on this in the next chapter.

Owner of the system: declare your rights

It may happen that by downloading or “dumping” a file on your PC, you will not be able to delete it later. All just because you will not have rights to perform such an operation. Of course, the programs do not always effectively solve the complications that have arisen in a given situation, nevertheless, there is still a reliable method. So, how to delete a pdf-file or another format of data that the system perceives as protected. Elementary: to become the owner of information and manually “rewrite” all rights to oneself.

• Right-click on the selected file to call up the submenu.
• Select "Properties".
• Then go to the "Security" tab.
• Further "Advanced".
• Now the 3rd tab on the left, click on the "Owner" right, where you need to click on the "Change" button.
• Now we point to our administrator rights and become the full owner of the “pseudo-protected” file.

Practical user

Perhaps for some users this information will become not just a guide to solving a previously impossible task, but a kind of revelation of opportunities that open up. As a rule, many standard Windows tools — a media player, browser, various editors, or other integrated applications — are rarely used. Many of us install more convenient and much more efficient working software solutions on a PC. Naturally, there is a desire to get rid of the "imperfect" software of Microsoft Corporation. But not everyone knows how to delete Windows files, because the OS initially prevents the destruction of “their property”. But such “foresightedness” of Windows developers can be fixed. To do this, resort to the already known method - we will become the owners of system files. However, we will slightly expand the resolution of our influence on the operation of the OS.

• Repeat all the steps in the previous paragraph.
• After the notification pops up that you became the owner of the file, click "Properties".
• Then: “Security.”
• The next click on the “Change” button will open a window in which you need to put down markers opposite the corresponding items.
• Now nothing limits you. The system file may be deleted.

Of course, do not get carried away, as you can “tear down” the critical components of your OS. Be prudent and extremely careful in your choice. By the way, the next chapter will help you in solving a fairly common question "how to delete a video file that does not want to free up occupied disk space, and it does not open with any other software."

Omnipotent windows

The problem of unreadability of one or another data format can be solved without sometimes difficult searches and installation of special software. In this case, you should pay attention to the standard function of the Microsoft family of OS — checking the HDD for errors. Often, users have the question "how to delete a damaged file", the answer to which, by the way, is simple, but still needs a special explanation. The fact is that the system cannot delete what it cannot read, and this is a fact! You need to scan the disk (partition) where the unreadable file is located, and you can do this in the following way:

• "My computer".
• Right-click on the disk that contains the damaged file.
• Now the "Properties".
• Then "Service."
• And finally, “Run the check.”

It is worth noting that in rare cases, the system refuses to perform this action through the above service. A variant of the console launch of the utility is possible:

• Start Menu
• Run - “cmd”
• Then at the command line we write: chkdsk with: / f

Where (c:) is the disk partition, and (/ f) is the error correction parameter.

Attention: if you are checking the system partition of the disk, a message may appear indicating that the check will be performed at the next boot of the OS. Nevertheless, you should agree to this proposal and enter the letter “Y”, which will be a confirmation of your actions.

Another important point in the decision is when “wounded information” is not deleted. You can try to change the file name, that is, rename it. Also, an attempt to change the extension to the “forced uninstallation” object will not be out of place. For example: change avi to txt.

Caution: the system is in danger!

Now you know how to delete system files and that protection can be circumvented. Nevertheless, you should always remember that trimming Windows with your own hands, you will not be able to anticipate, and even more so, prevent erroneous changes in the OS. Having superficial knowledge and not understanding the seriousness of the consequences, thoughtlessly making corrections and destroying executive files, dll libraries or disabling critical OS services, the user threatens the functionality and full functionality of the OS software. Therefore, always remember the good old saying: measure seven times - one ...

Finally

In this article, the basic techniques for deleting files were considered. Nevertheless, sometimes you should not resort to complicated options for the process of destroying certain data ... Basically, the Unlocker program copes with a variety of "misunderstandings" quite competently. And yet, no one is safe from virus penetration into the Windows environment, and it is precisely the “malicious code” that can be the cause of an undeletable file. However, this is the topic of another article. Yes, insoluble problems will be removed from you!