Do files stored on USB drives leave traces on hardrive?

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ChazzRanger

Reputable
Jul 16, 2015
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Using a shared home computer, have all my private/sensitive files on a flash drive. When I open/view a file on the flash drive, where will it leave a trace/copy on the computer? I generally use CCleaner to clear my session when I'm done working, is there anywhere a file copy may be left that CCleaner wouldn't erase? Thanks in advance for any insight!
 
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mbarnes86

Splendid
Sep 16, 2010
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Hi

If you open an MS office file on the USB device a temporary file will be opened
If a docx or xlsx the zipped files will be extracted then re zipped
Folder location set in office configuration

To ensure this was not recoverable you would have to clear all free space on the hard drive using something like Heidi's eraser

This is not a quick process

Unless you created a ram drive and ensured all temporary files are processed there you can't be sure no trace is left

Regards
Mike Barnes
 
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andrewjcole

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Jul 15, 2015
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Hello! Usually it's just temporary files that are stored deep in the filesystem that are difficult to find by the average user. What is the experience level with computers of your family members? I doubt anybody in your family would bother going through all the trouble searching for any of them or even would know how to.

However, if you're really worried, the solutions above may help.
 
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ChazzRanger

Reputable
Jul 16, 2015
2
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4,510
Thanks all, no forensic scientists share the computer, so I'll assume I should be safe ;) Also, OS is on SSD with TRIM enabled, so I guess that will also help eventually remove any lingering temp files?
 
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