BCWipe review
BCWipe securely deletes files with multiple passes and wipes disk space so data is unrecoverable. It integrates with Windows: To delete an item or wipe a disk, just right-click the item and select the appropriate context menu entry. BCWipe also runs from the command-line prompt. BCWipe's Task Manager can schedule wiping during off-hours, which is handy because deleting and wiping large files can take some time. BCWipe is free to try for 30 days.
Pros
Transparent wiping task: When Transparent Wiping Task is enabled, BCWipe automatically wipes files when they're deleted.
Restore points: BCWipe also detects System Restore Points, which may contain shadow copies of deleted files, and recommends deleting them.
Crypto swap: The included Crypto Swap utility can encrypt the Windows Swap File.
Cons
SSD disk detected: BCWipe can overwrite files on SSDs but not the data clusters, which will be marked for erasing later. The app recommends creating a task to wipe free space on SSDs.
Multiple notifications: We had to click through numerous notifications to delete files. Pop-ups can be reduced by unchecking "Show this message next time."
Trial limits: The free trial limits disk cleaning to one pass, which makes it difficult to assess its effectiveness. BCWipe also faces stiff competition from fully functional freeware.
Bottom Line
BCWipe deleted data completely from our system, including hidden copies of files. Thorough wiping can be slow moving, but BCWipe can schedule tasks for off-hours. It bests the freeware competition by combining power with flexibility and ease of use.
Editors' note: This is a review of the trial version of BCWipe 6.05.1.
