Security - Secure Deletion (11)

PeaZip is a feature-rich file archiver with broad support for 200+ file types. The file manager interface includes a hash tool, file wipe, file associations, file splitter, themes, estimated compression level, system benchmark, image crop/rename and much more.

Formats supported include most mainstream archive formats, including ZIP, 7Z, ACE, BZIP2, CAB, GZIP, TAR, UPX, ZIPX, as well as it's own PEA format. Can extact but not create MSI and RAR files.

Note that tools setup through the Task Scheduler are not portable.

Cross platform with clients for Mac, Linux, and BSD, as well as a 64-bit version is available. Alternatively, PeaZip Portable portablizes bookmarks and includes both 32 and 64-bit versions, automatically using the proper one on each PC.

FreeCommander XE is a powerful, dual-pane file manager with hundreds of features including folder size calculation, folder comparison/synchronization, file/duplicate search, filtering, MD5 calc / verfiy, folder compare, sync and a customizable interface. Includes a file viewer to view files in hex, binary, text or image format; an archive handling ability for standard compressed formats including ZIP (read, write), CAB (read, write) and RAR (read); built-in copy/move/delete handlers; and much more. Additional features are available via plugins.

A 64-bit version is available for donors, while a PortableApps version is also available from the author's website.

NOTE: Recent press about CCleaner indicates it may represent a privacy concern.

CCleaner is a feature-rich system optimization and privacy tool. The program cleans unused, temporary and log files from your system, as well as traces of online activities such as Internet history and flash cookies. The program contains startup controls for Windows, major internet browsers and context menu entries. Includes a separate registry cleaner, duplicate search, system restore tool and can wipe both deleted files and drive free space for security.

A 64-bit version is available (within the folder). Monitoring functions are only available in the pro version.

Additional cleaner rules can be using an unofficial set of community-developed set. It should be noted that many of these rules are alpha and the developers will not provide support for these rules, a thread in the users forum is dedicated to supporting the add-on rules.

Alternatively, ccPortable is also available.

Undelete 360 recovers files unintentionally removed from your computer. Built on a fast and efficient algorithm, the program will browse, search, and recover files lost due to accidental deleting, viruses, software or computer failures. It can recover files deleted from your computer drives, USB drives, camera devices, and memory cards, and supports both file recovery and folder recovery. It also supports secure file deletion.

NOTE: As this program went crippleware, we are linking to the last available freeware version (thanks smaragdus).

imageUSB writes exact bit-level image files to multiple flash drives. The program preserves all unused and slack space during the cloning process, including the Master Boot Record (MBR) and can perform flawless mass duplications of all UFD images, including bootable UFDs.

The program can also "zero" a USB drive, which is an efficient wipes to erase data with less harm to overall drive life. In addition, imageUSB has the ability to reformat even hard to format drives and reclaim any disk space that may be lost previously.

PeaExtractor is a easy, minimalistic tool for unpacking almost any compressed file format. Features a search tool, progress bar and drag-and-drop functionality. The program can unpack over 180 formats including encrypted or multi-volume archives (usually a series like .000, .001 or .r01, .z01...) as well as standard formats like 7z, rar, tar, zip, zipx, bzip2, cab, iso etc.

The program aims to function as a simple, accessible alternative to file manager-like interfaces used by WinRAR, WinZip and 7-Zip. Cross-platform (Linux, BSD) and developed by the author of PeaZip.

NOTE: Open ACE files with additional steps. The download also includes pea.exe, containing other tools including checksums, secure delete, file lists and more.

Xleaner is a comprehensive privacy tool and a clean-up utility that allows you to delete temp and junk files with ease. Xleaner can clear browser history, cookies, cache, search, auto-complete etc. It can also remove temp folders, recent documents, as well as run, search, open/save history and much more.

Xleaner is extendible with Plug-ins, AddOns as well as Themes / Color schemes.

NOTE: The development of program is discontinued.

DataRecovery recovers deleted files even if they have been purged from the recycle bin. You can also search for deleted files by partial string in the filename. The program supports FAT12, FAT16, FAT32, NTFS, EFS filesystems.

Alternatively, for files that should not be recoverable, the program includes a wipe feature.

USB Flash Tools is a toolkit that provides several functions for flash memory, including SD or Compact Flash cards and USB thumb drives. The program helps verify reported capacity, backup and restore of a drive (with optional compression), and securely erase the contents. A variety of secure erase methods are available including free space or whole-drive wipe using either basic (zero out / pseudorandom) or high-security standards (like DoD).

Note: While more secure, more passes are progressively slower and can reduce the life of the flash memory drive.