Obliterate Media Player Files

When you download a program for viewing in popular media players such as Windows Media Player or Real Player, it is stored in a list. For example, any music listened to, movies watched or other file downloaded can be revealed to those who want to find it. This is similar to the way the temporary Internet files are stored. While you may know to delete your browser history, you may not be aware of the need to delete your media player’s history.

In addition, the most recently viewed list will display a list of the most recent programs you viewed. If you want to protect your privacy, you should remove these entries. If you have Windows Media Player 9 or above for Windows XP, there’s an option for removing history under the Tools menu. Otherwise, a complicated and risky edit to the system registry will accomplish removal of the most recently viewed entries however it is not recommended. Anytime you edit the Windows registry, you risk causing damage to your PC.

If you want to completely obliterate files related to media players, including: Windows Media Player, Winamp, VLC, RealPlayer, DivX, and QuickTime you need a tool designed to complete shred files. Simply deleting files isn’t enough because once a file is deleted, even if the Recycle Bin is emptied, it isn’t really gone. Instead, just the reference to the file is removed.

Because the file is still on the hard drive, anyone with access and the right tools can recover it. In addition, these media player files can be quite large and they are cluttering up your hard drive affecting its performance. Remove them for good and you’ll enjoy a cleaner machine.

Any good file shredder will accomplish the task of removing media player files and most recently viewed entries. When you’re shopping for a file shredder program, look for features that include media player file deletion and overwrite technology that meets Department of Defense standards. Overwriting technology has gotten so good in recent years that you can thoroughly delete files to the point where they are unrecoverable using advanced data recovery tools.

Because the overwriting technology has progressed to the point of total obliteration, you’ll also want to look for a file shredder that includes safeguards against accidental deletions. There’s nothing worse than hitting the wrong key and deleting something you wanted to keep!

Other features you should look for include the ability to schedule routine tasks. For example, setting up regular scans and deletions of unnecessary temporary Internet files, cookies and browser history frees up your PCs resources and offers optimal privacy protection without you having to remember to manually remove them. When you regularly remove these files, your PC will perform better and your privacy will be better protected.

File shredding programs often come with various modes of operation including a stealth-type mode. This means that they operate in the background without any obvious signs of their presence. This is important so that others with access to your PC won’t have unfounded suspicions about your Internet behavior. After all, if they see a file shredder, they may think you have something to hide. File shredding certainly can hide confidential data, but it is also a wise move to keep your financial information from getting in the wrong hands. Stealthy operation avoids the whole sticky issue in the first place.

We’ve reviewed numerous privacy and file shredding programs. Browse through our reviews and make a well-informed decision.