pkeith89

Out of curiosity, how is this possible? If a file is overwritten with random digits, then overwritten again with different random digits, then overwritten again, how is it possible for any piece of software to accurately restore a file? Even if it was somehow able to restore one full overwrite maybe by being able to recognize how a file was overwritten, how would it be able to do this for multiple overwrites? Sorry, I will use 'I' from now on, although I was asking for a friend. I wasn't able to follow this with 100% understanding, but if I understand it generally, are you suggesting that perhaps the MFT wipes are not really wipes? Thank you for the info, guys

I know there are a few topics that are similar to this, but after searching for a bit, I haven't found one that answers my range of questions, so I figured I would post one asking about this: Suppose someone has a computer they are cleaning. Then suppose that that person comes across 'suggestible images' on their computer that they don't want anyone to ever know about (don't worry, nothing that could get one locked up away somewhere - just pictures that they want removed from the face of the earth). So that person then uses deep scanning with Recuva and overwrites them with 7+ passes, and there are no errors in this process. The person then decides to do another deep scan to see how much was actually removed. The same # of files found come up, this time with many more ignored, which they assume to be the overwritten files or files of 0 size (so they don't matter anyway as far as recoverable). Some of the images that are found using the deep scan are (after the person goes to the info section) denoted 'unrecoverable', and yet the thumbnail of the image is completely in tact. A large number of these thumbnails are the images they don't want to be seen. The person then overwrites everything found again, uses CCleaner with free space wiping enabled, and basically every 'deep clean' option available, all with more than a single overwrite each time. This person does this process several times in a row over a period of several days (usually letting it run overnight - never both at the same time). They then run Recuva again with deep scan selected and the same thing happens. It appears to this person as though these images will not die. What do they have to do to kill them? My thought about this situation has been that they are somehow stored in some kind of temp file in Recuva (if it sounds like I don't know what I'm talking about it's because I don't - I have a moderate understanding about computers in general but not enough to be called skilled). As a result, even if they are overwritten, Recuva will be able to display what they look like. Is this accurate to assume? Suppose the person uninstalls then reinstalls Recuva. Would the thumbnails be gone? What would you suggest this person to do? They have already ordered a new hard drive but would still like peace of mind that the pictures can somehow go away. Thanks