Is a deleted email still on the hard drive?

[COPO]

Is there any way that someone could find traces of an email after it's been deleted, if so how. Also it I deleted an email and ran a defrag, would all traces of that email be gone? Thx in advance.

[^dAvEy^]

might wanna try one of these TINY utilities for Undelete & Recovery (scroll down to the title).

[snackman]

Actually if I read your question right YES it is still on your hard drive and NO defrag will not make it unrecoverable. There are many recovery products but if yu want to make it unrecoverable(that is what you are wanting?)
You need a data eraser http://www.myotherwebsite.com/prod154.htm
I am not suggesting this one I have never used it this is just an example of one. There are many. Be sure it uses at least three passes.

[Georgeq]

If I remember correctly, speeddisk from Nortom has an option to wipe the free space after an defrag. That certainly would get rid of it.

[jdc2000]

Depending on whether it is an e-mail that was composed but not sent, or one that was actually sent or received, there could be backup copies of it on the e-mail server(s) that it passed through on its way as well.

[Spearo]

I can only speak for Outlook Express - if you open it's folder, then the "Default user" folder, you will find a file named "deleted items.dbx" with your "deleted" emails in it.
As mentioned, there are several erase progs about - I use BCWipe. So periodically, I just highlight the file named "deleted items.dbx" and select, "delete with wiping"
This makes seven erase passes over that particular file.(which is faster than wiping your entire HD free space).
I imagine that other Email progs have the equivalent of OE's "deleted items.dbx" file.
Hope that helps.