Data recovery

I know windows doesn't delete a file but marks it to be written over (at least i think that's what happens) and there's plenty of programs to recover the files unless windows has already written over them. Ive tried them before and 90% of the files are unreadable so why are there the likes of NAVSO P-5239-26 and the Gutman method surely data can't be recovered intact if its been written over a few times never mind 35!

Originally posted by leestatic
I know windows doesn't delete a file but marks it to be written over (at least i think that's what happens) and there's plenty of programs to recover the files unless windows has already written over them. Ive tried them before and 90% of the files are unreadable so why are there the likes of NAVSO P-5239-26 and the Gutman method surely data can't be recovered intact if its been written over a few times never mind 35!

That you can't do it doesn't mean that the NSA, or their counterparts in other countries, can't. Gutman may have exaggerated with his 35 times, but just a few overwrites isn't enough if your data is wanted by the Black Ops guys.

Richard