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How can I securely erase sensitive emails?

  • 1 reply
  • 1 has this problem
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  • Last reply by Toad-Hall

tongal42
tongal42
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I can delete a message into the Trash folder, then empty the folder. Does this securely erase the messages i.e. overwrite their HDD location? If it doesn't, how do I securely erase a message that I wish to be safe from recovery?

I use Thunderbird on a Windows 8.1 computer. A friend who has an Apple asked the same question. Can you help her as well?

Thanks in anticipation

Tony

I can delete a message into the Trash folder, then empty the folder. Does this securely erase the messages i.e. overwrite their HDD location? If it doesn't, how do I securely erase a message that I wish to be safe from recovery? I use Thunderbird on a Windows 8.1 computer. A friend who has an Apple asked the same question. Can you help her as well? Thanks in anticipation Tony

All Replies (1)

Toad-Hall
Toad-Hall
  • Top 25 Contributor
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when you delete a message it appears to go to trash. In reality it is still in the original folder just 'marked as deleted' and hidden from view. This facilitates a quick retrieval if deleted in error. Compacting removes 'marked as deleted emails.

After deleting email and then Emptying the Trash do this to compact all folders. File > Compact folders