Deleting a file in windows, where does it go

[scr0p]

I know that when you delete a file, you can recover it. I THINK the file is there, invisible and it can be recovered until you overwrite it. Question1 = How do you recover a file that you deleted (recycled)? Just simple concept of how to do it. And question2 is, if I am to make a file shredder. How would I overwrite the file using VB? write all 0's to it?

[axion_sa]

Hidden directory.
Open a DOS window & type "dir/ahd" (without quotes). You should see Recycler there - the files are hidden too.

[parksie]

It only goes to the Recycle Bin if you asked it to send it there. If you delete a file it's gone for good unless you actually go through the disk contents to retrieve it.

[scr0p]

hmm, I can see the recycler if I go to C:\, (xp, showing all files). But isnt this just the recycle bin? I have C:\Chat.zip, I send it to recycle bin then I empty recycLe bin, how can I get that file back now?

[siyan]

Originally posted by scr0p
hmm, I can see the recycler if I go to C:\, (xp, showing all files). But isnt this just the recycle bin? I have C:\Chat.zip, I send it to recycle bin then I empty recycLe bin, how can I get that file back now?

you have to use disk recovery tools and hope that no other process has used the physical space that used to be occupied by that file

a very tenuous process if its something critical

[JoshT]

Even after you write over it, it is still theorically possible to recover the file, especially if you just write zeroes over it. Do a google search and you should be able to find some pretty interesting stuff.