R-Wipe&Clean vs. Competitors: Which Disk Wiper Is Best?

How to Use R-Wipe&Clean to Permanently Delete FilesR-Wipe&Clean is a Windows utility designed to remove unwanted files and traces of activity from your computer. It goes beyond simple file deletion by securely wiping data so it cannot be recovered using typical forensic tools. This guide explains how R-Wipe&Clean works, when to use it, and step-by-step instructions to permanently delete files and traces while minimizing risk.

What R-Wipe&Clean Does

• Securely erases files and folders so deleted data cannot be recovered by standard recovery tools.
• Wipes free space to remove remnants of previously deleted files.
• Cleans system and application traces (browser history, temp files, registry entries, logs).
• Supports multiple wiping algorithms, including several-pass overwrites for higher assurance.
• Schedules automatic cleaning and can run at system shutdown or logoff.

When to Use Secure Deletion

Use R-Wipe&Clean when:

• You’re disposing of or selling a PC or storage device.
• You must remove sensitive documents (financial, medical, legal).
• You need to clean traces of online activity or private applications.
• Compliance requires demonstration of secure deletion.

Important Precautions Before Wiping

• Back up any files you might need later. Wiping is irreversible.
• Confirm you have admin rights for actions affecting system areas or other users.
• Be cautious when wiping entire disks or system areas — doing this can render an OS unbootable.
• Understand which drives/partitions are targeted (external vs internal).

Installation and First-Time Setup

1. Download R-Wipe&Clean from the official site and run the installer.
2. Launch the program and enter your license key if you purchased it; otherwise use trial mode with its limits.
3. In Options → Wiping methods, choose a default algorithm (single-pass zero for speed; multi-pass like DoD 5220.22-M for stronger assurance).
4. Set language, integration with Explorer (context menu), and scheduling preferences as desired.

Step-by-Step: Permanently Deleting Specific Files and Folders

1. Open R-Wipe&Clean.
2. In the left panel, click “Files Shredder” (or similar — interface labels may vary by version).
3. Use the Add button to select files and folders you want to permanently delete. You can drag-and-drop items into the list.
4. Confirm the list — double-check you’ve not added anything important.
5. Choose the wiping method for the selection (from the dropdown): single-pass for speed, 3-pass or 7-pass for stronger irrecoverability.
6. Click “Wipe” (or “Start”) to begin. The program will overwrite the file data and remove directory entries.
7. Wait for completion; progress and estimated time will be shown. When finished, the files are irrecoverable by normal means.

Step-by-Step: Wiping Free Space

Wiping free space removes remnants of previously deleted files:

1. Select “Wipe free space” from the left menu.
2. Choose the drive or partition to process.
3. Pick a wiping method — zero-fill is fastest; multiple passes are more thorough.
4. Optionally enable “Fill with random data” to complicate pattern analysis.
5. Click “Wipe” to start. This may take from minutes to hours depending on drive size and method.

Note: On SSDs, regular overwriting may not reliably erase all physical cells due to wear-leveling. For SSDs, prefer built-in ATA Secure Erase or manufacturer tools when possible.

Step-by-Step: Cleaning System and Application Traces

1. Go to the “System and Internet traces” section.
2. Expand categories (browsers, system temp files, recycle bin, recent documents, MRU lists, etc.).
3. Check items you want to clean. R-Wipe&Clean provides presets for common browsers and apps.
4. Use the Preview function (if available) to see what will be removed.
5. Click “Wipe” to clean selected traces.

Scheduling Automatic or Shutdown Wipes

• Open the Scheduler section.
• Create a new task: choose trigger (time-based, at logoff, at shutdown).
• Select what to wipe (files, free space, traces) and which wipes method to use.
• Save the task. R-Wipe&Clean will run the task automatically according to the trigger.

Advanced Tips

• Use Explorer integration for quick right-click shredding of single files or folders.
• For highly sensitive data, combine file shredding with wiping free space on the drive.
• If wiping an entire drive for disposal, consider full-disk secure erase tools or physical destruction for highest assurance.
• Keep software updated to ensure compatibility with modern filesystems and security improvements.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• If a file is locked, close the application using it or schedule wiping at next reboot/shutdown.
• For permission errors, run R-Wipe&Clean as administrator.
• If SSDs don’t appear to be fully wiped, use vendor secure-erase utilities.
• Long wipe durations are normal for large drives and multi-pass methods — be patient.

Conclusion

R-Wipe&Clean offers flexible, configurable secure deletion for files, free space, and system traces. Choose appropriate wiping algorithms, back up important data beforehand, and prefer manufacturer secure-erase tools for SSDs when possible. Properly used, R-Wipe&Clean will make deleted files effectively irrecoverable for most forensic methods.