Join the AMA (Ask Me Anything) with the Firefox leadership team to celebrate Firefox 20th anniversary and discuss Firefox’s future on Mozilla Connect. Mark your calendar on Thursday, November 14, 18:00 - 20:00 UTC!

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.

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

How can I securely erase sensitive emails?

  • 1 tontu
  • 1 am na jafe-jafe bii
  • 7 views
  • i mujjee tontu mooy Toad-Hall

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)

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