How to Erase Unwanted Files on Mac without Leaving any Trace

Friday, 19 December 2014 00:00 | Written by Bradley Taylor | E-mail

Many times someone may have unwanted files on their Mac computer or they are perhaps donating a computer and want a secure way to delete and get rid of all the personal information. If this is the case and you own a Mac computer, there are some important facts to consider.

Regular Delete Doesn’t Get Rid of Files for Good

First, some people think that deleting a file on a Mac or other computer is as easy as hitting the delete key. However, were you aware that even if you do this and then dump the trash that all traces of the files are not necessarily gone for good? Even if you format your hard drive, there are some types of recovery programs that will get the files back.

So, what can someone do if they want to get rid of some kinds of files permanently? There are ways to get back files deleted from the trash unless the files have been written over by others. So, if you want to permanently delete files from your Mac then you need to use another method of file deletion. For Mac users, there is a secure method of deleting files that will solve your problem and get rid of unwanted files forever.

Secure Files Deletion Method

In order to get rid of files forever so they can’t be recovered, you must use what is called “Secure Empty Trash” command instead of just the “Empty Trash” command most people use regularly. When you get ready to get rid of the files you want gone for good, you must click onto and hold the trash icon on your Mac computer desktop.

After this, you will see the normal “Empty Trash” option. However, in order to make the files go away forever with no chance of recovery, you need to press the command button and then that option will change to “Secure Empty Trash”. If you use this option, your unwanted files will go away for good.

Use Mac PowerSuite to Permanently Delete Files

There are also types of Mac software like Mac PowerSuite that can be used to ensure that files are gone for good. Here are some steps of the deleting files for ever on OS X with Mac PowerSuite:

Step 1. Download and install Mac PowerSuite on your iMac or MacBook;

Step 2. Laugh the program by clicking the icon, next click the Eraser tab;

Select the Erase Tab

Step 3. Add files or folders you want to delete or using Drag & Drop;

Add Files to Erase

Step 4. Click the Erase button to erase the information permanently.

Delete Files in Mac PowerSuite

All in all, if you are trying to get rid of unwanted file on a Mac computer for good, then you need to follow one of the above steps to ensure the files are gone.

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