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mycomputerguyla

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How do I permanently delete Skype files to the point that they will not be recoverable on a MAC.

I have a client that is requesting that her skype video chat be deleted permanently to the point that it can not be recoverable, and to the point that not even using third party software designed to recover files can recover them.

I read that Skype saves chat histories to data files on the hard drive, also video files, on a pc are saved as .wav or media files and can be viewed, that need to be found and deleted.

I need assisntance in finding these video files and chat files on the MAC.. and permanently delete them properly.. it is time sensitive so please respond as soon as possible.

thanks...
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ericnils

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mycomputerguyla

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Ericnils,

I have done what you said and it is still in process.. i selected the 7pass..  Question.. is what i selected, 7pass, is this the secure deletion process you were refering to?  you mentioned,  "instead of using srm to securely delete the above files"  or is the 7pass deletion the "srm"?   Process is running and is estimated to take about 10 hours.  9 hours to go.

Can you please clearify..
That is what I was referring to.  selecting the zero out option instead of 7-pass is sufficient for all but the most crazily paranoid scenarios though and takes 1/7 as long.  The 7-pass option is writing over unused space on your hard drive seven times.

srm is a command that will delete a file and overwrite the location on the disk where the file was stored.  Normally when you delete a file just the file pointer is deleted and the contents of the file are still intact until the operating system uses that portion of the disk for a new file.  The reason I suggested wiping all free space instead of using srm is because some files may have been deleted previously without being overwritten.  Wiping all free space will purge that type of data as well.
If you're interested in the more technical aspects of what I directed you to do you should read the following wikipedia article:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_remanence

The Specific Methods->Overwriting section describes what you are doing.
I appreciate the quick accurate response. Client is happy and satisfied. Thank you Ericnils for the assist.