On Windows XP (home edition), how do I delete files beyond recovery?
925497
files can only be thoroughly deleted if you overwrite them with software but that takes up even more space. the space is very little though that deleted files take.  a new hard drive isn't very expensive so you could just get one.
908827
You might, just might be able to use an Undelete tool. When a file is deleted from the computer it is not physically removed only the entry  to the files location is deleted from the index. The file itself may still be there if it has not been overwritten.\n\nSearch for Undelete utilities for Windows 2000 on the web.
538424
If you have a WinXP disk\npop it in\npress ENTER to load disc when it asks\nyou can format from the winxp installation\nby selecting a partition and choosing to delete it\nformat as NTSF quick, best choice for today's world - the full format is useless and needlessly LONG\n\nif you don't have a XP disk..you shouldnt't be deleting your computer
1085159
Hi,\n\nYou will need a file recovery program. Here are a few that are free.
278351
You can't select the restore points you want to delete.\n\nHere's a few websites that also tell you you can't:\n\nhttp://www.mac-net.com/626081.page\n\nhttp://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_restore.htm
978259
If you did not delete the files from Windows Me during the installation, you might be able to remove Win 2000 through the "Add-Remove programs" in control panel.\n\nBut why do you want to remove it?\n2000 is better than Me as far as I know.\n\nAnd why do you have a problem with XP if you have Win 2000?
1008920
Use file recovery softwares...
724841
You can restore the file only if the place on the hard drive has not been over written. \nTry using a file recovery program like this one:\nhttp://officerecovery.com/freeundelete/
120607
This question is a bit obscure as it doesnt explain what files you are trying to delete. The answer listed with it is obscure as well as it gives no real information on how to remove files therefore I will attemp a general answer on removing files and programs from a computer running windows.\n If removing an installed program the proper method is to click the start button on the taskbar, depending on your windows version you will see either a control panel selection, or a settings selection. If it is control panel click that, if settings put your mouse over it then click on control panel in the resulting drop down menu.\n In control panel find the selection for add / remove programs. Once the window opens find the program you wish to remove and click the remove button. Once you finish the removal process the program should be gone from your list. (There are many variations in the program removal process but almost all will require input from the user in order to complete) If you want to remove all of the files from the program from your system once you have uninstalled the program close all the open dialogues then on your desktop right click the Recycle Bin and in the resulting menu left click on Empty Recycle Bin.\n For removing files the process is a bit different, and you will need to know where the files are stored, ie the Folder where they are located.\n Click the Start button on the task bar. For windows XP Place your mouse over All Programs then in the resulting menu place your mouse over Accessories (it may not be in the list initially if not there will be an arrow-like selection at the top or bottom of the menu, hold the mouse over this for a few seconds and the entire menu appears) In the Accessories menu place your mouse over Windows Explorer and Left click on it.\n For other Versions of windows the process is identical except that when you click the start button you will see Programs in the menu Treat that as the All Programs in the previous paragraph, also there may be a selection for Windows Explorer in the initial Programs menu again this depends on the version of windows.\n In windows Explorer on the left will be a list of things on your computer, topping the list will be Desktop, under this you should see My Document, My Computer, My Network Places and Recycle Bin. If the files you wish to remove are located in My Documents then click that folder in the left panel, in the right panel you will see a list of files locate the ones you wish to remove then Right click each one and select delete with a left click on each. If the files are in a subfolder of My Documents locate it in the left panel and click the remove the files in the right panel as outlined in the previous paragraph. \n If the files are located in a folder other than the My Documents then click the + beside the My Computer then click the plus beside the Drive that the Folder is located on, ie C, then click the + beside the folder your files are located in, etc. till you get the folder you are looking for. \n to remove files right click and select delete left clcik .\nThis procedure will only be possable if you know Where the files you want to remove are stored.\n If you want to make sure the files are completely removed from your computer close any windows you ave open then on your desktop right click the Recycle Bin, select Empty Recycle Bin from the menu and left click it.\n That is in general how you remove Programs or files from your computer, there are other factors that can affect this and without knowing specifics i cant be more specific with the method. I hope this helps.
302484
probably if you are using xp professional, you can use system restore and you can recover your deleted files.
591945
You can try Control Panel as someone mentioned before, but unfortunately it doesn'always remove the entire program because of additional extensions elsewhere on the drive and the system registry. With some programs you can just go to Start>Programs>"your program"> and then it will give you the option to uninstall. If not then go to Add & Remove programs. After if there are leftover extensions you can try the system's search for files application, type any relevant name to that program and it will find and list them. Then delete them. You can also get a Registry cleaner software to delete the leftover extentions in the registry after you have used "Add & Remove Programs". Good luck!
173055
You can try norton undelete which is packaged with systemworks on that local computer.  Other good software include:\n\nDiskeeper Undelete (http://www.execsoft.com/downloads/menu.aspx)\nActive Undelete (http://www.active-undelete.com/)\nGetDataBack Data Recovery (http://www.runtime.org/)\nRecover My Files Data Recovery (http://www.getdata.com/)\n\nGood luck!
197841
If you want to deleat any files, just find them using the file manager/windows explorer and deleat them.  This shouldn't be as big a problem as you are making it out to be.
31383
1. Wipe harddrive\n2. Install Windows 2000 or XP\n3. Wonder why you didn't do this sooner
869234
Use Pc Inspector File Recovery
267751
well \n     there is no real way to remove everything... even if you format, it is still possible to recover information...pictures, music, exc... but you the average person...place the windows install CD in restart the computer and tell it to remove the C: partition, this will also format it...keep in mind that you will "lose everything" so place anything you may want on a CD or DVD.
951918
If you want to just free up the space, From windows xp, right click on my compuer.. click manage.. go into disk management.. select the partition you have windows 98 on, and go ahead and reformat it using NTFS file format.. this will erase your files and reformat the partition