CNET Editors' review
If you're looking for a reliable utility for utterly erasing files from your hard drive, you'll be pleased with File Shredder's performance. This free tool's attractive interface is designed for ease of use, and even novices will comprehend its functions right off the bat.
A list of simple commands (such as Add File[s] and Add Folder[s]) let you browse and choose the items you wish to remove; selected items are listed in the large pane that makes up the bulk of the interface. In our tests, configuring File Shredder's settings was simple, and we were able to choose from five options for shredding algorithms, ranging from simple one pass to DoD 5220-22.M to Guttman algorithm with 35 passes.
The utility performed its tasks quickly, and we were unable to detect any remains of the shredded files afterward. While shredders with more bells and whistles are available for businesses with critical security concerns, we recommend this utility for any level of user who needs a simple file eraser for files with low-level security risks.
Publisher's Description
From File Shredder:
File Shredder is free desktop application to securely shred files and folders on computer. Files deleted with File Shredder can not be retrieved back. File Shredder supports multiple shredding algorithms up to 7 passes, US government compliant DoD 5220-22.M, Guttman method, shell integration on right click in Windows, Disk Wiper to shred unused free space.
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All versions:
3.5 starsout of 137 votes
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Current version:
3.5 starsout of 137 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Not really worth the time..."
Version: File Shredder 2
Pros
1. Easy to use GUI interface.
2. Worked well for me shredding document and PDF files.Cons
1. It doesn't dependably install into the right click interface.
2. Many files especially video or picture files (jpg, jpeg, etc..) are easily recoverable with a free program such as recuva.Summary
It gives a false sense of security on deleted/shredded documents.
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"easy to use."
Version: File Shredder 2
Pros
easy to set up and use
Cons
none that i have seen
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"Works exactly like Windows Explorer"
Version: File Shredder 2
Pros
Nothing,it doesnt help
Cons
Doesnt delete long filename archives or folders
Summary
Its a piece of s...
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"Messed up my external hard drive interface"
Version: File Shredder 2
Pros
Securely shreds files as described
Cons
May cause external hard drive interface to stop working
Summary
Completely messed up my hard drive interface after wiping free space. I tried connecting other working hard drives to the enclosure and none of them are recognized anymore after using File Shredder (though I'm sure the hard drives themselves still work fine). The program must have corrupted something on the IDE interface. Stay away.
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"Did Not integrate into right click menu"
Version: File Shredder 2
Pros
Couldn't tell ya
Cons
Didn't integrate into the right click menu on windows 7 ultimate.
Summary
The only reason I downloaded is to have a shredder integrated into my right click menu. When right clicking on files to securely delete which it did not do like it said it would in publishers description.
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"Shredding...what?"
Version: File Shredder 2
Pros
easy to use
Cons
I tried shredding hard-disks, memory pens, Sd cards. I tried the best algorythms available on fileshredder but I always was able to recovery image files using Icare data recovery software (licensed). I also used Aoo0 shredder, and same result.
Summary
Am I mistaking something? I'm currently looking for a new shredding program
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"Excellent software"
Version: File Shredder 2
Pros
does what it says it will do
Cons
none it does what it says
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"Will not shred WD drives -ST storage option (autosav)"
Version: File Shredder 2
Pros
Easy to use, works well on conventional files/folders.
Cons
Will not shred WD autosave folders.
Summary
Don't bother if you have used WD autosave features.
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"RISKY AND NO SUPPORT"
Version: File Shredder 2
Pros
Small size.
Cons
Disappears my recycle bin randomly. Does not uninstall properly. Requires mystery "permission" to delete shredder file folder. NO ONLINE SUPPORT. Not worth it. Recommend you look elsewhere.
Summary
With Windows Vista this program creates problems. The developer refuses to provide support and is therefore questionable. Download at your own risk.
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"BEWARE!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Version: File Shredder 2
Pros
It does what it says it does: wipes files with no possibility of recovering them.
Cons
Program has bugs which may cause you to lose data or MESS UP YOUR HARD DRIVE!
Summary
This program is effective at erasing files so that it would be impossible to recover them, but it is dumb (either that or it has bugs)! I erased some duplicate files with identical hashes, but with different names, and this program erased both the originals and the duplicates--with no possibility of recovering them! I also performed a "free space wipe", after which my hard drive started giving me SMART warnings telling me to back up my files and replace my hdd because "hard drive failure was imminent!!"
Be careful what you do with it, and DON'T use it to erase duplicate files!!!
