Ccleaner: system restore points + system image

CCleaner for Windows
1

Hi all,

I only just discover the wonderful ccleaner and like using it.

There are, however, some things I do not understand. I use ccleaner with privacy and security as my mine goal (deleting everything personal we don't need anymore) because if you use a computer for a few years it'll be stamped with information like creditcard stuff, passport copy, taxes maybe, and whatever more.

The free space and maybe even faster system is a bonus.m

I did the following, on a windows vista and a windows 7:

- options, settings: secure file deletion 3 passes, Wipe MFT free space. Not the "wipe alternate data streams nor wipe cluster tips" because I don't know what it does.

-run the cleaner and delete stuff

-drive wiper: wipe free space 3 passes (C: and D:)

I do however, thought about windows System Restore Points and the System Image.

Is it possible to still restore old data with one of these options? They do back up stuff, maybe even personal data? Especially the system image, because as far as I can understand system restore points don't.

2

If you wipe freespace you will lose your system restore points as the drive fills up. There is little to no reason to wipe a drive unless you plan on selling it.

3

Ccleaner is a really comprehensive solution, but it's not going to wipe the entire computer. There's notoriously many temporary files, and other file types, that get left on the machine.

Windows System Restore should probably be restored, System Images are independent ISO files that can restore the machine so they likely will work.

I guess I’m moreso curious what your end goal is. If you want to keep the machine free of sensitive information you’re doing it in the most convoluted way possible (no offence). You should look into a restore solution like Reboot Restore Rx or Deep Freeze; this will accomplish your goal and do so in an easier fashion. Just my two cents.

4

I guess I'm moreso curious what your end goal is. If you want to keep the machine free of sensitive information you're doing it in the most convoluted way possible (no offence). You should look into a restore solution like Reboot Restore Rx or Deep Freeze; this will accomplish your goal and do so in an easier fashion. Just my two cents.

Thank you very much.

My end is basically if the laptop (windows vista) gets stolen, no one can reach my sensitive info. I don't need that information anymore, but my son uses it for school and often has to take it with him (more likely to lose or get stolen). There is some software on it he paid for.

Maybe even encrypting the hard disc is an option?

I never heard of a restore solution? What do you mean?

5

Maybe even encrypting the hard disc is an option?

Don't forget the password! Perhaps just put sensitive stuff in a particular folder, then encrypt that one folder.

6

And don't forget that, while encryption can hinder potential thieves from recovering the stolen data, it will, also, prevent you from recovering lost data.

7

And don't forget that, while encryption can hinder potential thieves from recovering the stolen data, it will, also, prevent you from recovering lost data.

But that's only when I can't remember the password though, right?

8

But that's only when I can't remember the password though, right?
As far as I am aware, no. An encrypted file will recover encrypted and may not (I've never actually tried) be unencrypted
9

An encrypted file, as in a Truecrypt container for instance, can be recovered in its encrypted state, and then opened with the password as usual. It's just clusters and bits, Recuva doesn't care. You can also copy them, rename them, and back them up quite happily

10

Ok, I stand corrected. Thanks