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How to Permanently Delete Pictures and Files From Memory Cards

Let's say you have some files or pictures on a memory card or memory stick and you want to lend it to someone or sell it. How do you permanently delete files from the memory card to prevent recovery? Instructions Difficulty: Easy Things You'll Need memory card or memory stick digital camera PC Steps 1 Step One The increased popularity of digital cameras, due to their ease of use and convenience, has created a problem that many people overlook. There may be pictures and files created over time on the removable memory card that should not be shared with the rest of the world. Programs exist that allow the recovery of deleted picture files from memory cards. This article covers several ways to permanently remove the files and pictures from the memory card without damaging the card for further use. 2 Step Two Digital cameras provide a "delete" feature that will enable a user to remove pictures and files from a memory card. The problem is that these files are not actually removed from the memory card until the space is overwritten by another file. Using easy-to-find software that is available for free on the Internet, another user may be able to recover pictures or files that have not been overwritten. This is a great tool for those who accidentally delete a picture and want to recover it. This is a horrible thing for someone who lends their camera to another person with hidden pictures that they assume were gone forever. 3 Step Three  Click to enlarge

This solution works for all types of removeable media.

Transfer all pictures from your memory card that you want to save into a folder on your PC. Once all of these files are "removed" from the card, format the card. This may be done by accessing your digital camera's settings. After formatting the card, switch the camera back to "picture taking" mode. Take pictures of the floor or the wall until the memory stick has been completely filled. Format the memory card again. 4 Step Four Perform a search on the Internet for picture recovery software. There are some free versions available that work very well. Try to recover the pictures that you deleted and see what happens. If you can recover them, then someone else can too. Don't assume that other people aren't curious and that they will not attempt to see your hidden picture files. 5 Step Five Another option is to format the memory card and then transfer as many files as possible from your PC back to the memory card and then format it again. The idea is to replace the important pictures and files with less important pictures and files that you do not mind people finding.