Eraser 5.8.7

• License:

  Free

• Editor's Rating:

  4.0 stars

• Average User Rating:

  4.0 stars (out of 172 votes) Rate it!

• Downloads:

  668,045

• Operating Systems:

  Windows Vista, Windows 95, Windows Me, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows 98

• Additional Requirements:

  No additional requirements

• Limitations:

  No limitations

• Date Added:

  June 10, 2009

• Previous Versions:

  Select a version Eraser 5.86a Eraser 5.86 Eraser 5.84 Eraser 5.7

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Publisher's description of Eraser

From Heidi Computers:

Eraser is an advanced security tool for Windows that allows you to completely remove sensitive data from your hard drive by overwriting it several times with carefully selected patterns. The patterns used for overwriting are based on Peter Gutmann's paper Secure Deletion of Data from Magnetic and Solid-State Memory and are selected to effectively remove magnetic remnants from the hard drive.

Other methods include the one defined in the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual of the U.S. Department of Defence, and overwriting with pseudorandom data. You can also define your own overwriting methods.

See more CNET content tagged:

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Editor's review of Eraser

• 4.0 stars

• "Eraser"

• Reviewed by: CNET Staff
• Version reviewed: Eraser 5.8.7

A few minor complaints aside, this free file shredder is by and large a solid find. Eraser's all-business interface won't win any design awards, but it's mostly convenient to use, allowing you to add files or folders to be deleted via drag-and-drop transfers. However, since the program lacks a dedicate deletion button or icon, you'll have to dig through the menu items to actually erase data. This misstep is somewhat negated by the fact that Eraser integrates into the Windows' context menu, letting you shred files via a right click. We're glad to see the program lets you choose from four secure government-sanctioned deletion algorithms, and we appreciate the inclusion of a scheduler, handy for routinely wiping free disk space. In our tests, Eraser got rid of a 1GB file in 10 minutes--impressive, considering we employed the most secure deletion method. Anyone seeking to eradicate documents for good should take a long look at this freebie.

User reviews

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  This software version | All versions

• 5 stars

  Version: Eraser 5.8.7

  "Does what it's suppose to... as far as I know"

  by cscooper2000 on July 2, 2009

  Pros: It seems to be working. I trust the various reputable reviews from folks more techie than I. Sensitive data, Gov. Security and Absolutely Formatting disks beyond recovery is not something I do every day. Eraser handles the task when I need it.

  Cons: The interface is a little confusing, as mentioned in the CNet review. No delete button, but rather find what you're looking for in the menus.

  Summary: I've used this program for two years. Everytime I sell or upgrade a hard drive, I use this program to annihilate my sensitive data before shipping the old drive off to someone on Ebay or Craigslist.

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• 4 stars

  Version: Eraser 5.8.7

  "Great application and it's FREE"

  by seaweasel on June 25, 2009

  Pros: Easy to install and use. Works with Vista Ultimate 64. Totally erases deleted files and free space area.

  Cons: There are several files (20) that come up as failed to delete on the end of process report

  Summary: If you would like a Free application that is easy to use give this one a try

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• 4 stars

  1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

  Version: Eraser 5.8.7

  "A necessary tool to have on your computer"

  by popsrobs on June 19, 2009

  Pros: A most have application for getting rid of your deleted files permanently not just sensitive files also you're able to erase all the free space on your HD the boot and nuke feature is very nice to have if you ever need reinstall your OS.

  Cons: It could have a more up to date looking interface but that doesn't take anything away from it's effectiveness as a permanent removal program

  Summary: This is the first application of this type that I have come across that's free it's similar to a paid product that I use to use a number of years ago called east-tec eraser but this program has far more eras ion methods. There really is no need to ... read more >>

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