AboutBrian Benosky Expertise I will answer all pc related hardware and software questions. I can troubleshoot Windows OS errors (including Vista) and other software problems. You can be assured of a prompt, polite, and knowledgeable response.
Experience I have over 25 years experience in using, building, and repairing computers. I am a Top Contributer of General Computing answers in Yahoo! Questions with over a 70% Best Answer rating.
Education/Credentials College Educated
Self-taught Computer Skills
Expert: Brian Benosky Date: 6/23/2008 Subject: Delete?
Question Hi Brian,
A while ago I read an expert's answer which said that when something is deleted it isn't really gone and can basically be recovered, at least in part, forever. My question is if this is so then why doesn't the free space on the hard drive continuously diminish?
Thank you, Mark
Answer Hi Mark
My apologies for not getting back to you sooner, as I have had some personal issues to deal with and have not had time to be online in the past few days. When a file is deleted (when you empty the recycle bin), it is basically sent to a part of the hard drive so that it can be written over. Windows will read it as free space, however, even though data is still there. In other words, it's free to be written to. And yes, the file can still be recovered even after deletion using the right tools. There are programs that will erase the files so that they are unrecoverable. Check out East-Tec Eraser here:
