Windows does not physically remove deleted files from your hard disk. Emptying your Recycle Bin does NOT protect you at all. Your sensitive files can be recovered, even after you format your hard disk! When you delete a file from Windows, the OS just marks the file as deleted in the file allocation table, but the data of the file is still on your hard disk. There are many tools available which can let others easily recover your sensitive files even after you format your hard disk.

HOW DOES SILVERBOX'S FILE SHREDDER PROTECT YOUR FILES?
By overwriting the portion on the hard drive that was previously allocated to the files several times with random bytes. File Shredder will completely erase files from your disk, without the possibility of recovery by any practical software or hardware methods. You can choose different methods for wiping the files, depending on the level of security you need.

WHY SHOULD I WIPE FILES AT ALL?
Suppose you sell your computer or your hard disk. Suppose your computer has to be sent out to a workshop for repair. If it contains sensitive data you will generally make backups and delete the sensitive files to make sure they can't be accessed. But if the files haven't been wiped thoroughly the data can be recovered -- and there are plenty of people willing to make the effort necessary to access it. For example competitors interested in your company's new technology!

Silverbox's File Shredder includes several different levels and options, read below for one example:

OPTIONS:

Rename files and folders before wiping:
Because of the way Windows® works it is not possible to delete the names of files and folders directly. Even if their contents have been wiped completely, the names are always still accessible to anyone with the necessary tools. This can be a problem if you have files and folders with sensitive names that you don't want anyone to see. When this option is selected File Shredder overwrites the names of all wiped files and folders with random bytes, making it impossible to recover the original names. Recommended, selected by default.