This site will have limited functionality while we undergo maintenance to improve your experience. If an article doesn't solve your issue and you want to ask a question, we have our support community waiting to help you at @FirefoxSupport on Twitter and/r/firefox on Reddit.

Avatar for Username

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

This thread was archived. Please ask a new question if you need help.

How can I securely erase sensitive emails?

  • 1 reply
  • 1 has this problem
  • 7 views
  • Last reply by Toad-Hall

tongal42
tongal42
more options

I can delete a message into the Trash folder, then empty the folder. Does this securely erase the messages i.e. overwrite their HDD location? If it doesn't, how do I securely erase a message that I wish to be safe from recovery?

I use Thunderbird on a Windows 8.1 computer. A friend who has an Apple asked the same question. Can you help her as well?

Thanks in anticipation

Tony

I can delete a message into the Trash folder, then empty the folder. Does this securely erase the messages i.e. overwrite their HDD location? If it doesn't, how do I securely erase a message that I wish to be safe from recovery? I use Thunderbird on a Windows 8.1 computer. A friend who has an Apple asked the same question. Can you help her as well? Thanks in anticipation Tony

All Replies (1)

Toad-Hall
Toad-Hall
  • Top 10 Contributor
more options

when you delete a message it appears to go to trash. In reality it is still in the original folder just 'marked as deleted' and hidden from view. This facilitates a quick retrieval if deleted in error. Compacting removes 'marked as deleted emails.

After deleting email and then Emptying the Trash do this to compact all folders. File > Compact folders