Using Eraser

3.1 How to use Eraser with Windows Explorer

It is common for people to use Eraser through the My Computer Windows Explorer programs, rather than through the Eraser program itself.

Step 1. Open a folder containing a file you want to delete permanently.

Step 2. Right-click on this file. Two new options appear on the drop-down list, Erase and Eraser Secure Move as follows:

Figure 6: Erase and Eraser Secure Move options

We are going to use the Erase option to permanently delete this file.

Step 3. Select Erase from the menu.

The Confirm Erasing pop up dialog box will appear as follows:

Figure 7: The Confirm Erasing pop up dialog box

If the file displayed in the pop up dialog box is the one you want to delete permanently, perform the following step:

Step 4. Click the Yes button.

The file will then be wiped from your system.

Warning: When you wipe a file this way, it will be deleted forever. You will not be able to retrieve it. Be sure the files you wipe are the ones you do not want on your computer.

To securely move a file/s from one location to another (for example, from your computer to a USB memory stick):

Step 5. Select: Eraser Secure Move

You will need to answer the same warning prompt, as above, to continue.

3.2 How to Wipe Unused Disk Space

Erasing unused disk space involves wiping all traces of previously existing files from the 'empty space' of your hard drive/portable storage device. This empty space usually contains files that were not deleted properly (see the UndeletePlus Hands-on guide & the How-to Booklet chapter 6 from more information about this).

Step 1. Select: Start > Programs > Eraser > Eraser

Tip: You can perform the wiping task on demand or you can schedule it to occur at a specified time.

Important: This process could take between 2 and 5 hours to complete and will slow your computer down while it operates. It maybe a good idea to run or schedule the free space wipe when you are not using your computer (or have gone home/to bed for the night).

3.3 Using the on-Demand Task

To create an On-Demand task for wiping unused disk space, perform the following steps:

Step 1. Click:

Step 2. Select: File > New Task as follows:

Figure 8: Selecting a New Task in the File menu

The Unused space on drive option should be selected.

Step 3. Choose the drive you want to clear the free space on. (In this example, the Local Disk (C:) has been selected. This is usually the primary hard drive on most computers.)

Figure 9: The Eraser Task Properties screen

Step 4. Click the OK button.

The task has been created and must be run, and appears in the Eraser main screen.

Step 5. Right-click the task to activate the pop-up menu as follows:

Figure 10: The Eraser screen with Run selected

Step 6. Select: Run to activate the Eraser pop up dialog box as follows:

Figure 11: The Eraser pop up dialog box

Step 7. Click the Yes button.

A progress screen appears as Eraser begins wiping the unused space as follows:

Figure 12: The Eraser screen

3.4 Using the Scheduled Task

Since we may not always remember to do this kind of computer 'housekeeping', Eraser has an option that lets you to schedule a wiping task so that it runs at an appointed time every day, or one day per week.

Step 1. Click: in the Eraser main screen:

Step 2. Select: File > New Task as follows:

Figure 13: Selecting a New Task in the File menu

You will see a similar screen to the one in which you created an on-demand task.

Step 3. Set these options as outlined in section 3.3 How to Use the on-Demand Tasks Option.

Figure 14: The Eraser Task Properties screen displaying the Schedule tab

Step 4. Click the Schedule tab

These options are presented in the Schedule tab.

Figure 15: The Eraser Schedule tab

Note: Use the drop-down box labelled Every to set the task to run daily, or on a certain day of the week. The second text box sets the time which must be in 24-hour format.

Step 5. After you have you have set a time and day, click the OK button.

The scheduled task will appear as follows:

Figure 16: The Eraser Scheduled task list

Note: The computer must be switched on for the Scheduled task to run.

3.5 How to Remove a Task

After you have run either an on-demand task or a scheduled task, you may want to remove it from your task list.

To remove an on-demand task, perform the following steps:

Step 1. Click: to display the task list as follows:

Figure 17: The Eraser task list

Step 2. Select the task you want to remove. (Highlighted in blue as shown above.)

Step 3. Click:

The task will then be removed from the task list as follows:

Figure 18: The Eraser task list with the on-demand task removed

The process for removing a Scheduled Task is almost identical. To remove a scheduled task, perform the following step:

Step 1. Click:

Repeat steps 2 and 3 described above.