Learn How to Erase Files & Folders to Maintain Compliance.

BitRaser^® Knowledge Base

How to Permanently Erase Files, Folders & Volumes?

Updated On Mar 04, 2025

In this KB, you will learn "how to permanently erase files & folders" using BitRaser File Eraser Corporate software. This data-wiping tool permanently erases files, folders, internet browsing history, cookies, application traces, and volumes from your Windows-based laptop, desktop, or PC. This software can also erase files and folders on mapped file servers over a network. If you wish to search and erase files on a network, use the Network variant of the software.

This KB has been divided into 2 Stages:

Stage 1: Download & Install BitRaser File Eraser Corporate

Stage 2: Permanently Erase Files, Folders, Traces

To permanently erase files and folders on Mac devices, refer to the BitRaser File Eraser Corporate Mac article.

Stage 1: Download & Install BitRaser File Eraser Corporate

Step 1: Download and install BitRaser File Eraser from the link provided in the email. The link will redirect you to a web URL, as shown in Image 1.

Image 1: BitRaser File Eraser Corporate Windows Download Page
Step 2: Install the software by following the on-screen instructions. (Refer to Image 2 a)
You will be required to enter a root password for the MariaDB database that will be installed on the computer.
Type any password and click ‘Next.’ (Refer to Image 2 b)

Note: This password should be remembered for establishing a connection with the data base while using the application.

Image 2 a: Install BitRaser File Eraser Corporate Windows

Image 2 b: Enter Root Password

Step 3: Once the installation is complete, activate the software by entering the 16-digit alphanumeric key that you received after purchasing the BitRaser File Eraser software. (Refer to Image 3)

Image 3: Enter Activation Key
Step 4: Click on (the Cloud Icon) in the top menu to establish a connection with the BitRaser server. This is required to save reports in the cloud console for future reference.
Enter your BitRaser Cloud credentials received by mail.
Click ‘Login.’ (Refer to Image 4)

Note: You can skip this step if you want to store the reports on your local machine only.

Image 4: Enter BitRaser Server Login Credentials. Click Login
Once logged in, you will see the main interface of BitRaser File Eraser Corporate Windows. (Refer to Image 5)

Image 5: BitRaser File Eraser Corporate Windows Main Interface

Now, you are ready to choose and wipe files on your system.

Stage 2: Permanently Erase Files, Folders, Traces

The File Eraser software offers the following erasure options that are explained in detail below:

Erase Files & Folders: You have the option to Drag & Drop files and folders directly into the software interface, or you can Search & Erase files by their name and location. Once you have selected files to erase, click on ‘Erase Now.’ (Refer to Image 6 a)
Click on ‘Proceed’ to confirm the erasure. (Refer to Image 6 b)

Image 6 a: Select Files to Erase, then Click Erase Now

Image 6 b: Click Proceed to Confirm Erasure

Once the process is complete, you will see the status for all erased files as Completed. (Refer to Image 6 c)

Image 6 c: Erasure Process Completed

Note: You can choose the erasure methods and verification type as per your organizational data disposal policy by clicking on Settings and choosing your preferred method. The software supports 18 erasure methods like NIST Clear, US DoD 5220.22 – M, British HMG IS 5, etc. (Refer to Image 6 d)

Image 6 d: Select Erasure Method in Settings

Erase Free Space: This option enables you to securely wipe the ‘Free Space’ on selected volumes, including local drives (C, D) and network drives.

Note: Free space on a drive may contain traces of deleted files that remain recoverable until overwritten. While it appears as available storage, the operating system only removes file references, leaving the actual data intact. Securely erasing free space prevents recovery, ensuring privacy, compliance, and safe device reuse.

Choose the volume where you want to erase free space and click ‘Erase Now.’ (Refer to Image 7)
Click on ‘Proceed’ on the Confirm Erasure screen; the software will erase the free space, ensuring that previously deleted data is no longer recoverable.

Image 7: Select Volume & Click Erase Now to Wipe Free Space
Erase Traces: This option allows you to erase ‘Internet Activity,’ ‘Application Traces,’ & ‘System Traces.’ Click on ‘Erase Now’ to wipe the selected traces. (Refer to Image 8)
Click ‘Proceed’ in the Confirm Erasure screen.

Image 8: Erase Internet Activity, Application & System Traces

Erase Volume: You can erase an entire volume using the option; however, the software does not harm the Operating System, so even if you select the C drive, the OS files remain intact.
Select the ‘Volume,’ which you want to erase, and click ‘Erase Now.’ (Refer to Image 9)
Click ‘Proceed’ on the ‘Confirm Erasure’ screen.

Image 9: Select Volume to Erase, then Click Erase Now

Schedule Erasure: This feature enables you to schedule the erasure of 'Traces' and 'Files & Folders' on a recurring basis.
You can set it to run periodically - daily, weekly, monthly, or at every system boot. You can specify the date and time as per your preference. (Refer to Image 10a & 10b)

Note: The file selected for erasure must not be in use at the scheduled time, and the system must be powered on.

Image 10 a: Schedule Traces Erasure

Image 10 b: Schedule File & Folder Erasure
Reports: This tab shows all erasure reports for all the tasks performed. The reports are uploaded automatically if the application is connected to the BitRaser Cloud.
You can click on select a report and click on Save to keep the report on the local system. (Refer to Image 11)

Image 11: Reports Tab BitRaser File Eraser Corporate Windows

You have successfully wiped files, folders, traces, and volumes from your system. This helps maintain device hygiene, permanently removes sensitive data, and reduces the risk of data leakage and breaches. This tool comes in handy to IT Admins during Data Minimization.

Regular data erasure is essential, especially when information has served its purpose to comply with data protection laws and standards like EU-GDPR, CPRA, HIPAA, and ISO 27701. Securely wiping data safeguards privacy, enhances security, and meets compliance requirements.

FAQs

How do I install BitRaser File Eraser Corporate?

Download the software from the link provided in the email, follow the on-screen instructions, enter a root password for MariaDB, and complete the installation.

How do I activate BitRaser File Eraser Corporate?

Enter the 16-digit alphanumeric activation key received after purchase to activate the software.

How do I permanently erase files and folders?

Drag and drop files/folders into the interface or search for them, then click ‘Erase Now’ and confirm the erasure.

Can I erase files on a mapped network drive?

The software supports erasing files and folders on mapped file servers over a network.

What erasure methods does BitRaser File Eraser Corporate support?

It supports 18 erasure standards, including NIST Clear, US DoD 5220.22-M, and British HMG IS 5.

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