[dba-Tech] Retrieving Deleted Files off a hard drive

I formatted a hard disk with windows 95 on it, then plugged it into a pc
running 98. I ran scandisk and all the files came back, so I guess format
ain't everything.


Jon

-----Original Message-----
From: Stoker, Kenneth E [mailto:Kenneth.Stoker at pnl.gov]
Sent: 31 July 2003 20:50
To: dba-Tech (E-mail)
Subject: [dba-Tech] Retrieving Deleted Files off a hard drive


Everyone,

I recently had a discussion with a coworker about the subject of retrieving
deleted files off a hard drive.  We got on the subject because we are having
an audit on those company-owned computers systems that some staff may have
at home for business use.  He claims that any file can be reclaimed, even if
a defragmentation has been run.  I thought that once a disk has been
defragmented, those files were truly gone, if the anyone defragmented the
disk, the audit would basically be a waste of time.  Is this true?  The
computer security group here is, I'm sure, quite good, don't let any
limitations be considered in any advise returned to settle this score.  

If it is possible, does that also apply to a reformatted disk?  I would
think that a reformatted disk would be the ultimate cleanup, but that would
have me wondering now if a defragment doesn't work.  Which would cause some
serious concerns at this location as much of the stuff that I work with is
very sensitive and would make me wonder about correct processes when buying
a new machine and excessing the old one.

Thanks for your help in settling the discussion.


Ken Stoker
Technology Commercialization
Information Systems Administrator
PH: (509) 375-3758
FAX: (509) 375-6731
E-mail:  Kenneth.Stoker at pnl.gov 


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