Recovering deleted wallet/files from HDD - page 4.

Ultegra134

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Quote from: ABCbits on October 28, 2021, 05:41:42 AM

Quote from: Ultegra134 on October 27, 2021, 06:08:58 PM

I do, I've successfully recovered both wallets (Electrum and Metamask) and they are up and running on another computer.

Just confirming, did you only enter the seed phrase or also move the coin to newly generated wallet? If you did the former and the technician have malicious intent, he/she/they still could steal the coin.

Quote from: Ultegra134 on October 27, 2021, 06:08:58 PM

Even if data loss is presented, both wallets are fine, however, my only concern would be the technician to snoop through my files, which may sound too paranoid (or not, you never know).

Without knowing technician history or license, your concern is normal.

I only recovered my wallets through the 12 word seed phrase. I haven't moved my funds to a new wallet.

Quote from: Lucius on October 28, 2021, 06:38:53 AM

I personally don't sell my old cell phones or computers, I don't even throw them in the trash - not only to prevent anyone from getting any data, but also because one day all these old devices will be a good reminder of how technology has evolved over time. In case someone still wants to sell an old computer, I wouldn't risk deleting the files - just take out the HDD/SSD and sell it that way.

Quote from: Ultegra134 on October 27, 2021, 06:08:58 PM

I do, I've successfully recovered both wallets (Electrum and Metamask) and they are up and running on another computer. Even if data loss is presented, both wallets are fine, however, my only concern would be the technician to snoop through my files, which may sound too paranoid (or not, you never know).

I would just in case transfer everything to new wallets, no matter how much you believe or not that person who did the diagnostics on your computer. Although we all think that such people keep their reputation and will not do anything bad that would endanger it, sometimes it is hard to resist not peeking into other people's secrets if you already have the opportunity.

Yeah, I'll move everything to new wallets just in case, you can never be safe enough. On top of that, if we suppose that he has snooped through my files, he could potentially try to compromise the wallets at a much later date. That way, no accusation can actually be directed to him.

Lucius

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I personally don't sell my old cell phones or computers, I don't even throw them in the trash - not only to prevent anyone from getting any data, but also because one day all these old devices will be a good reminder of how technology has evolved over time. In case someone still wants to sell an old computer, I wouldn't risk deleting the files - just take out the HDD/SSD and sell it that way.

Quote from: Ultegra134 on October 27, 2021, 06:08:58 PM

I do, I've successfully recovered both wallets (Electrum and Metamask) and they are up and running on another computer. Even if data loss is presented, both wallets are fine, however, my only concern would be the technician to snoop through my files, which may sound too paranoid (or not, you never know).

I would just in case transfer everything to new wallets, no matter how much you believe or not that person who did the diagnostics on your computer. Although we all think that such people keep their reputation and will not do anything bad that would endanger it, sometimes it is hard to resist not peeking into other people's secrets if you already have the opportunity.

ABCbits

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Quote from: Ultegra134 on October 27, 2021, 06:08:58 PM

I do, I've successfully recovered both wallets (Electrum and Metamask) and they are up and running on another computer.

Just confirming, did you only enter the seed phrase or also move the coin to newly generated wallet? If you did the former and the technician have malicious intent, he/she/they still could steal the coin.

Quote from: Ultegra134 on October 27, 2021, 06:08:58 PM

Even if data loss is presented, both wallets are fine, however, my only concern would be the technician to snoop through my files, which may sound too paranoid (or not, you never know).

Without knowing technician history or license, your concern is normal.

larry_vw_1955

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Quote from: Ultegra134 on October 27, 2021, 09:11:31 AM

My laptop broke down this morning, taking my Bitcoin and Metamask wallet with it. Fortunately, I had both backed up so no losses there. Took it to a technician who claims that it's power unit or something is broken and it's not receiving power.

that was the first security blunder right there. once you hand it off to somebody, you can't really say "once i get it back, ..."

nc50lc

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"Zero Fill" is the term you might be looking for. Some call it "Full Overwrite".
It's a complete wipe where all the data is rewritten into '0' compared to "format" that'll just delete the partition or file system but leave the other data untouched.

Depending on your Disk's manufacturer, there are official tools that can perform 'zero fill' like:
"SeaTools" from Seagate for Seagate HDD | "Western Digital SSD Dashboard" for WD SSD's.
So check for your HDD/SSD's manufacturer's website for Disk tools.

BitMaxz

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That's the problem that I don't like sending my PC to a repair shop with my assets is pretty risky. Even you trust the technician it is still risky.
There are lots of guides and tutorials on Youtube and Google if you have a problem with your PC because mine I learned a lot on youtube and apply what I learned to repair my own Laptop/PC.

I have a few HDD and SSD with the corrupted OS but a few of my wallets are still there but I can still extract them out from corrupted HDD/SSD and never use them again I just put them near on my table but never put it back alive on my PC. It's more likely an SSD/HDD backup for future recovery if needed.
It's way more safety than sending your own personal PC/Laptop to anyone and researching and learning on Youtube/Google doesn't cost you anything other than sending it to the technician.

Ultegra134

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Quote from: Stalker22 on October 27, 2021, 03:49:07 PM

Quote from: Ultegra134 on October 27, 2021, 03:29:57 PM

Quote from: LoyceV on October 27, 2021, 02:12:12 PM

Quote from: Ultegra134 on October 27, 2021, 12:55:46 PM

I'll try not to be paranoid about it.

For what it's worth: I do try to be paranoid about my Bitcoin security. As they say: "Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't after you."

I can definitely see why. On top of that, I wasn't exactly sure on where I had backed up my Metamask wallet, and until I found my seed phrase, I almost collapsed to the thought of losing my funds. Since it's based on Chrome, I'll have to physically boot the HDD in order to run Chrome and export the private keys/seed phrase. All thoughts crossed to my mind, from a corrupted HDD, to a stuck BIOS etc., it haunted me.

So you have a backup seed phrase or not? If you do, I recommend restoring your wallet on a new device and moving your coins as soon as possible to a new wallet. Unless your wallet is password protected, your funds are not safe even from your technician (I'm not saying to doubt a man, I'm just saying he's not responsible for your data).

I do, I've successfully recovered both wallets (Electrum and Metamask) and they are up and running on another computer. Even if data loss is presented, both wallets are fine, however, my only concern would be the technician to snoop through my files, which may sound too paranoid (or not, you never know).

Stalker22

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Quote from: Ultegra134 on October 27, 2021, 03:29:57 PM

Quote from: LoyceV on October 27, 2021, 02:12:12 PM

Quote from: Ultegra134 on October 27, 2021, 12:55:46 PM

I'll try not to be paranoid about it.

For what it's worth: I do try to be paranoid about my Bitcoin security. As they say: "Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't after you."

I can definitely see why. On top of that, I wasn't exactly sure on where I had backed up my Metamask wallet, and until I found my seed phrase, I almost collapsed to the thought of losing my funds. Since it's based on Chrome, I'll have to physically boot the HDD in order to run Chrome and export the private keys/seed phrase. All thoughts crossed to my mind, from a corrupted HDD, to a stuck BIOS etc., it haunted me.

So you have a backup seed phrase or not? If you do, I recommend restoring your wallet on a new device and moving your coins as soon as possible to a new wallet. Unless your wallet is password protected, your funds are not safe even from your technician (I'm not saying to doubt a man, I'm just saying he's not responsible for your data).

Ultegra134

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Quote from: LoyceV on October 27, 2021, 02:12:12 PM

Quote from: Ultegra134 on October 27, 2021, 12:55:46 PM

I'll try not to be paranoid about it.

For what it's worth: I do try to be paranoid about my Bitcoin security. As they say: "Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't after you."

I can definitely see why. On top of that, I wasn't exactly sure on where I had backed up my Metamask wallet, and until I found my seed phrase, I almost collapsed to the thought of losing my funds. Since it's based on Chrome, I'll have to physically boot the HDD in order to run Chrome and export the private keys/seed phrase. All thoughts crossed to my mind, from a corrupted HDD, to a stuck BIOS etc., it haunted me.

Quote from: dkbit98 on October 27, 2021, 02:41:57 PM

Quote from: Ultegra134 on October 27, 2021, 09:11:31 AM

Is there an actual way to permanently delete such files from the HDD, forever?

You could just sell him your laptop without HDD, just open it and remove the drive yourself, that would be the safest way and nobody would be able get your keys.

Other option is to fully format your hard drive, but since your laptop is still at technician I would move all your coins to new addresses that you fully control, without any connection with keys on that laptop.

I'll get it back on Friday, if everything goes according to plan, if it's working fine, I might sell it without the HDD, it will also save me the time to back up my files and overwrite it.

dkbit98

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Quote from: Ultegra134 on October 27, 2021, 09:11:31 AM

Is there an actual way to permanently delete such files from the HDD, forever?

You could just sell him your laptop without HDD, just open it and remove the drive yourself, that would be the safest way and nobody would be able get your keys.

Other option is to fully format your hard drive, but since your laptop is still at technician I would move all your coins to new addresses that you fully control, without any connection with keys on that laptop.

LoyceV

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Quote from: Ultegra134 on October 27, 2021, 12:55:46 PM

I'll try not to be paranoid about it.

For what it's worth: I do try to be paranoid about my Bitcoin security. As they say: "Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't after you."

Ultegra134

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Firstly, I'd like to thank you for your replies, they mean a lot to me.

Quote from: LoyceV on October 27, 2021, 10:51:10 AM

Quote from: Ultegra134 on October 27, 2021, 09:11:31 AM

Took it to a technician who claims that it's power unit or something is broken and it's not receiving power.

Depending on the laptop this could be a cheap part to replace.

It's relatively cheap to replace, about €60 for both the replacement part and the labor. It's a refurbished laptop, not of too much value, but gets the job done.

Quote from: LoyceV on October 27, 2021, 10:51:10 AM

While I wouldn't really bother about the rest of my files, I'd rather not have someone recovering my wallets this way.
How about passwords? Creating a new wallet and moving all your coins is quite easy, but your browser might have access to many accounts too.

That's right, that's something I forgot about, but the most important thing there is my wallets, therefore, I completely forgot about anything else but them.

Quote from: LoyceV on October 27, 2021, 10:51:10 AM

Is there an actual way to permanently delete such files from the HDD, forever?
There's a software shred and there's the hardware shredder.
I would prefer not to trust anyone with my data, so I would have removed the drive before sending the laptop to a repair guy.

Stupid of me for not thinking it earlier, tomorrow is not a working day here and pretty much rushed to get it somewhere to get it fixed, since I used it for most of my daily and work stuff. He's a quite known and reputable guy, so I believe nothing will be done in the first place, I'll try not to be paranoid about it. Definitely took my lesson in case something like this ever happens again.

If I'm to sell it, I'll either replace the HDD with an old one I have here or use one of the recommended software to overwrite the files.

LoyceV

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Quote from: Ultegra134 on October 27, 2021, 09:11:31 AM

Took it to a technician who claims that it's power unit or something is broken and it's not receiving power.

Depending on the laptop this could be a cheap part to replace.

Quote

While I wouldn't really bother about the rest of my files, I'd rather not have someone recovering my wallets this way.

How about passwords? Creating a new wallet and moving all your coins is quite easy, but your browser might have access to many accounts too.

Quote

Is there an actual way to permanently delete such files from the HDD, forever?

There's a software shred and there's the hardware shredder.
I would prefer not to trust anyone with my data, so I would have removed the drive before sending the laptop to a repair guy.

DaveF

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Yes you can easily recover most deleted files unless the drive has been properly wiped.
If he had access the the laptop out of your site he has access already to your wallet files.

Depending on the make / model of the laptop pulling the hard drive and putting it in a device that can read it takes less then 15 minutes.

If that is the case MOVE YOUR COINS NOW.
Create a new wallet securely on a different machine and move them.

This is why so many of us recommend hardware wallets. Take my laptop, get my wallet files, whatever I don't care. Without getting my hardware wallet it's worthless to someone.

-Dave

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Quote from: Ultegra134 on October 27, 2021, 09:11:31 AM

Is there an actual way to permanently delete such files from the HDD, forever?

If the HDD is working, there are various software around that can overwrite existing files with garbage before removing them (wipe) and there are programs that can do similar stuff with the current free space on your HDD.
If you're under Windows I recommend SysInternals SDelete for the job, since SysInternals were bought by Microsoft many years ago, hence it should be safe.

Quote from: Ultegra134 on October 27, 2021, 09:11:31 AM

I'd rather not have someone recovering my wallets this way.

If you want to super-sure and super-safe, why don't you just create brand new wallets and move your coins there?

PawGo

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Yes, it is doable. You will need a program which in fact not "delete" files, but overwrites the whole disk with a new content - and do it several times.
Normal "delete" only removes information about file, but file stays on it's place. It is more like removing plate with your name from the front door - it does not mean you will disappear inside your flat Wink

One of options: https://www.howtogeek.com/howto/15037/use-an-ubuntu-live-cd-to-securely-wipe-your-pcs-hard-drive/

BTW: Why not sell laptop without HDD?

Ultegra134

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Not sure on where to post this, I apologize in advance if this isn't the correct section.

My laptop broke down this morning, taking my Bitcoin and Metamask wallet with it. Fortunately, I had both backed up so no losses there. Took it to a technician who claims that it's power unit or something is broken and it's not receiving power.

Anyway, back to the subject now, he's interested in purchasing it in case I do not want repair it, which is something I'm considering. However, my wallets are inside that laptop, someone who specializes in computers could potentially recover deleted files from the HDD.

I'm not sure if he wants to resell the laptop or he wants it for himself, my main concern though is that there's a way to recover deleted data. While I wouldn't really bother about the rest of my files, I'd rather not have someone recovering my wallets this way.

Is there an actual way to permanently delete such files from the HDD, forever?

Topic: Recovering deleted wallet/files from HDD - page 4. (Read 693 times)