How to use Sdelete to securely delete files in Windows

The first thing you have to do is download the program from this link. It’s a zipped file with two executables in it. Then you have to extract them and put them in the following path: C:\Windows\System32.

First steps with Sdelete

Next we will see how Sdelete works. To securely delete a file, please use the following syntax:

sdelete.exe -p 3 -s "file or folder"

The -p parameter indicates the number of passes Sdelete will make to destroy the data. In this example, we will use 3 passes. Additionally, the -s parameter applies to subfolders. Obviously, these commands must be run from a CMD with administrator privileges.

It is also possible to safely clean the free space on the disk. With this intention, overwrite the free space by running the following:

sdelete.exe -c d:

This command will delete the free space in order to prevent the files from being recovered. Please note that you have to replace d with the desired unit.

Conclusion

In this way, we have seen how to securely delete files in Windows 10. Undoubtedly, security is increased when a sensitive or personnel file is permanently deleted. Mostly if we share the computer or sell it. This will make the file deleted with this technology, can not be recovered by file recovery programs. Well, this is it! Before I go, I invite you to check our post about Windows 10 startup time. See you later!

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Use CMD to delete folders and files

The idea of a terminal is traditionally associated with Linux operating systems. However, Windows also has its own terminal inherited from MS-DOS. This is known as Command Prompt. You will probably have used the PING command to check internet connectivity or cd to go to the hard drive directories. However, we will see how to delete folders and files using the CMD. Although it is more comfortable to use the graphical interface, it is always convenient to have this method. Because, sometimes the search button is broken. With this in mind we will use the DEL command. Next, please use the CD command to enter the directory. The syntax is as follows:

 DEL /F /A file.extension

Please remember to replace the file name with its respective extension. To enter the cmd, just press the Win+Q combination and type CMD.

The /F switch allows you to force the file to be deleted. While the /A allows to delete only the files marked as ready for archiving by Windows.

How to delete folders with CMD

To delete folders, the process is similar to that of deleting files. However, the change is to use the RD command. Similarly, use the CD command to enter the directory where the folder to be deleted is located. To delete folders, the process is similar to that of deleting files. However, the change is to use the RD command. Similarly, use the CD command to enter the directory where the folder to be deleted is located. The syntax is as follows:

 RD /S folder

Please remember to replace folder with the name of the folder to be deleted.

The /S parameter indicates that we will also delete all subfolders within the folder. If it is not used and there is a folder inside, it will not delete the main folder.

What to do if there is an error message that prevents you from deleting the folder

It is likely that when you use the DEl or RD command, the system will throw an error message that prevents you from doing the task. This usually happens because of a permission problem. Specifically, when you try to delete a folder you don’t own. Or when trying to delete a system folder. In those cases, CMD will not allow you to delete the folder or file. To solve this problem, just open CMD with administrator privileges:

In this way, it is possible to delete any type of folder or file. The exception is if you try to delete a protected system file.

Conclusion

In the final analysis, we saw how to delete files and folders from the CMD in Windows 10. If you like to manage your computer with the terminal, then this is your option. Before saying goodbye, I invite you to our post about an alternative dock for Windows 10. Bye!

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How to free up disk space with DupeKill

As mentioned above, this free application allows you to search for duplicate files on your computer. Consequently, it is possible to delete them quickly. The utility of this tool is that it allows you to discover that there are duplicate files on the hard disk. In this way, it is possible to free up storage space. In the first place, please go to the project page to download the latest version.

Please note that the file comes in a compressed format, so once downloaded you will have to decompress it. With this intention, you can use some program like 7zip or WinRar. On the other hand, the program is portable. Consequently, when running it for the first time, it asks where to save the configuration.

In the configuration window, two saving options are displayed. First, you can save the settings in the application directory. This is for easy handling of the program. Second, you can save it to the profile directory. Please note that you must remember the configuration directory. Since there is no uninstaller, you can delete the program by deleting this folder.

Launching DupeKill

After installing the program, it will be launched immediately. In the Look in section, you can include the drive, directory or folder where you will look for the files. It is highly recommended to select the option to include subfolders in the search. Once the parameters are set, press the Scan button to start the search. The search time will depend on the selected unit and the number of files present.

Once the search is complete, the list of duplicate files is displayed. In addition, the file properties are displayed. Likewise, we see size, name, path, creation and modification date. Once the search is complete, the list of duplicate files is displayed. In addition, the file properties are displayed. Likewise, we see size, name, path, creation and modification date.

But the most interesting option is the one related to the recommended actions for the files. You can keep or delete them, and the program also shows the number of duplicate files. Finally, by double-clicking on the file, we can execute it, open its folder, copy the path, delete it, move it or save it.

Enabling advanced search.

The program has an interesting advanced search function. To enable it, just click on the search bar. Immediately a window will be displayed, where it is possible to enter different search criteria, such as include and exclude folders, limit the size or set a date range. It is also possible to select the type of file to be searched. Consequently, this tool makes the search more specific.

Ultimately we have seen how to use DupeKill to delete duplicate files in Windows 10. This way it is possible to increase the storage space on hard disks. In my case, I gained more than 8GB of storage. And best of all, I didn’t know I had such an amount of duplicate files. Well, that’s all for now, before I say goodbye I invite you to check our post about PowerToys in Windows 10. Bye!

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