Hi Betty: Low level format. Basically writes zeroes to whole drive. Some even write multiple times. This is time consuming, if it is a large drive. Check out the manufacturer website for a download to do this. You can find this in shareware or freeware probably. Be sure you never want the data again. Disconnect any other hard drives and make sure the correct drive is connected. If it was really a big concern. A sledge hammer and magnets might work even better. Good Luck Richard F. Bolha > [Original Message] > From: BettyHouse <[log in to unmask]> > To: <[log in to unmask]> > Date: 7/17/2006 3:02:34 PM > Subject: [PCSOFT] Cleaning a hard drive > > After deleting sensitive information from a hard drive is there a way short of wiping the drive to make sure that the information cannot be accessed. Private information has been deleted and all cache files, internet files etc. deleted but I know that the information is still technically there. I had hoped to avoid having the hard drive completely wiped. Any information on an alternative to completely wiping the hard drive would be appreciated. Thank You - BJ PCSOFT maintains many useful files for download visit our download web page at: http://freepctech.com/downloads.shtml