Erasing write-protected and encrypted files FAQ

This article contains frequently asked questions related to the erasure of write-protected, "locked" and encrypted files.

• Can Blancco File Eraser shred a file or folder that is write-protected: Does the software automatically remove write protection from a file if it has admin-level access to it?
  • Yes, if a Blancco File Eraser user has the proper user rights to a file or a folder, it can be shredded. It is recommended that Blancco File Eraser is used with the rights of a local administrator.
• Can Blancco File Eraser shred a password-protected file (for example a password-protected zip package)?
  • Yes it can. The software does not need to access the contents of a file, so it does not require any password for the shredding operation.
• Can Blancco File Eraser shred an encrypted file?
  • Yes it can. The software does not need to access the contents of a file, so it does not require any decryption before the shredding operation
• Can Blancco File Eraser shred files that are quarantined by some virus protection software (“virus chest”)?
  • Yes, as long as the user has proper user rights to these files. Usually, these types of files are not protected at all. Just moved to a special folder.
• If a file is "locked" because it is used by an application, is there any way to shred it?
  • Yes, this can be done by running the Blancco File Eraser shredding commands from the command line tool. There are certain shredding command parameters which can "force" the deletion of "locked" files.