Deleting all traces from computer?

[AncientSamurai]

Hey everyone, so basically what I'm trying to do is find a program that will remove all browser history, cookies, cache files, emptying temp folders, clearing the index.dat file, etc.

I've found these 3 programs:

http://www.ewasher.net/

http://www.winclear.com/index.php

http://www.evidence-blaster.com/privacy/

Do they actually remove all traces of browser history, etc? Because I know that you can get the DoD has programs that can recover files when you remove browser history, cookies, etc but I'm wanting to find a program like the DoD uses to erase all tracks on their computers.

[jgreen45]

I dont know about those programs but http://sourceforge.net/projects/eraser/ works well and is secure. It doesnt have an auto feature for browser history or cookies. But it is free and open source

Good luck

[tremor77]

Just to start off.. this type of thing is nice to do against a prying spouse or parent.. but for practicality you will not be able to cover your steps.. because of ISP logs, logs of sites you have visited and other various factors... not to mention the way magnetic media works (unless you are using solid state hard drives! w00t w00t).... So if you want Part B, practice Part A first, which is safer, more anonymous web browser habits.. use proxies, TOR, avoid internet explorer... the list goes on...

For removal, try http://www.ultraedit.com/products/ultrasentry.html According to their advertising.. "UltraSentry deletes data to Department of Defense standards."

But don't forget about that little bitch called MRU (Most recently used) - saves registry keys.. not sure if UltraSentry delves into that area or not.. MRU Blaster can help.. http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/mrublaster.html

You could also install an OS on a USB stick, boot to it and do everything there.. then if need be.. toss the thing into in incinerator.

[sanddbox]

Just to start off.. this type of thing is nice to do against a prying spouse or parent.. but for practicality you will not be able to cover your steps.. because of ISP logs, logs of sites you have visited and other various factors... not to mention the way magnetic media works (unless you are using solid state hard drives! w00t w00t).... So if you want Part B, practice Part A first, which is safer, more anonymous web browser habits.. use proxies, TOR, avoid internet explorer... the list goes on...

For removal, try http://www.ultraedit.com/products/ultrasentry.html According to their advertising.. "UltraSentry deletes data to Department of Defense standards."

But don't forget about that little bitch called MRU (Most recently used) - saves registry keys.. not sure if UltraSentry delves into that area or not.. MRU Blaster can help.. http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/mrublaster.html

You could also install an OS on a USB stick, boot to it and do everything there.. then if need be.. toss the thing into in incinerator.

Watch those DoD-standard eraser programs - I'm pretty sure they only refer to the number of overwrites they use as opposed to the actual files deleted when they claim that they meet DoD standards (besides, I wouldn't trust DoD standards anyway. I've learned that the government is a lot worse with security than hollywood leads us to believe).

Anyways, for best security boot into a virtual system every time you turn on your computer and delete it afterward. No program will delete traces 100%, and as Tremor said, they still have other ways to get the info they need.

[AncientSamurai]

Well see, the reason I ask this questions is because I repair computers for customers as well as remove viruses. Lately, I have had a few customers ask about removing all traces from their computers of things they have done. That is why I was trying to figure this out. Thanks.

[-65536-]

Removing all traces is not easy. You have to locate all the files and registry entries then write over where they are stored on your hard drive several times. This would be especially difficult for the registry. For most people the programs you linked would be good enough. But if you want to make sure that there are no traces there is only one tool I would suggest: http://www.dban.org/

Of course like tremor77 said that doesn't help you if its in your ISP logs or server logs.

I think your best bet is to use an anonymous proxy or tor running off a linux live-cd: http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/download

[Dwere]

. But if you want to make sure that there are no traces there is only one tool I would suggest: http://www.dban.org/

From what I just read, dban is a program to completely wipe the drive, and delete all data. Not just wipe out history and cache etc.
I don't quite think that's what the OP was looking for. I may be wrong though.

[Goatboy]

Dwere is correct. DBAN is useful for a.) people who are selling a drive and want it clean, or b.) people who have WAY too much kiddie porn to delete manually and it'd just be easier to nuke the damn drive.

[Dwere]

Wouldn't the right settings on a simple program like CCleaner generally be enough here?
Maybe I'm wrong, or misunderstand the function of CCleaner.

[fashizzlepop]

For what the OP wants, probably. Depends on what "traces" they want wiped.

Also, 5 wipes over magnetic media should be plenty do defeat any attempts by even the FBI. Rarely will locals attempt over a single clean wipe.