[pavati]

Returning a windows 7 pc to its original factory state using the HDD recovery procedure will permanently delete all files and browsing history
without the possibility of them being recovered,even with the use of software?

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First and foremost, welcome to Geeks To Go's forums! I hope you stick around after we've assisted you in resolving this issue, as there is a lot of great members and information available on Geeks To Go's site. Now that the pleasantries have been said, let's take a look at your question... 
This is called a format followed by an installation. Data the installation is over written becomes considerably harder to recover. However it is still possible. As for the parts not over written, the factory restore does not do a multiple layer pass nor truthfully rewrite it, so that is also recoverable.

Here's a read you can look over to find out even more...
HTG Explains: Why You Only Have to Wipe a Disk Once to Erase It

If you have further questions or concerns, please post them and I will do my best to address them.

[PhrantiQ]

First and foremost, welcome to Geeks To Go's forums! I hope you stick around after we've assisted you in resolving this issue, as there is a lot of great members and information available on Geeks To Go's site. Now that the pleasantries have been said, let's take a look at your question... 
This is called a format followed by an installation. Data the installation is over written becomes considerably harder to recover. However it is still possible. As for the parts not over written, the factory restore does not do a multiple layer pass nor truthfully rewrite it, so that is also recoverable.

Here's a read you can look over to find out even more...
HTG Explains: Why You Only Have to Wipe a Disk Once to Erase It

If you have further questions or concerns, please post them and I will do my best to address them.

[pavati]

Thank you for the timely reply,so the only way to make files and browsing history impossible to recover is by using disk wiping software?
Can you recommend a few good ones?

[PhrantiQ]

Certainly. Here are a few:

• Darik's Boot And Nuke - Bootable and great for full hard drives, can do the Gutmann method (35 passes)
• CCleaner - This is a software you can install on your PC and run for folders, files, external drives, extra drives
• Eraser - This is a software you can install on your PC and run for folders, files, external drives, extra drives - You can also schedule this to clean free space using any layer of passes for set times/dates

If you notice how I said Gutmann method above, you can read up more on it by going to the following link: Gutmann Method Explained on Wikipedia

Please know this though, the more layers the more stress on the drive. Failing drives can permanently fail with high layered passes and healthy drives do occasionally become almost unusable with very high level passes, though rare it has happened on more than one occasion.


If you need any more advise or have any more questions, or would like our opinion on what you're looking to do - Please post back and we'll be sure to help you from there!

Edited by PhrantiQ, 01 October 2013 - 01:16 PM.