Applies to: All editions; individual controls can be edition-restricted
Main layout
The CertErase window is organized into a top ribbon menu and three primary working areas: Files, Settings, and Output.
Ribbon menu structure
Home contains the commands used for normal file-erasure work, including adding targets, removing targets, starting the operation, and cancelling an active operation.
Tools contains free-space operations and related utilities. Some commands require Pro or Enterprise.
Integration manages Windows Explorer integration and current default settings.
Reports provides log export and, for Enterprise, access to the structured sanitization report.
Help provides product and support information.
Files area
The Files area is the operation’s target manifest. It can contain individual files and folder roots. Folder selection causes CertErase to enumerate files recursively when the target is added. Review the entire list before starting.
Available actions include:
- Add one or more files;
- Add one or more folders;
- Remove selected entries;
- Clear the list;
- Select all entries;
- Open or save a reusable
.lsttarget list.
The list is not an authorization record. An operator must still confirm that every displayed target is approved for destruction.
Settings area
Settings are grouped by purpose:
- Erasure algorithm/standard
- File content security, including verification and alternate data streams
- File identity and metadata, including renaming, extension randomization, and timestamp changes
- Post-deletion cleanup, including free-space wiping
Edition-restricted options may be visible but unavailable. Review the effective state immediately before every operation.
Output area
The Output area records session information, selected settings, per-item progress, errors, completion state, and summary information. It supports copying, clearing, and edition-dependent export.
The Output area is operational evidence, but it is not a substitute for an Enterprise or Audit sanitization report when the organization requires a signed attestation, asset record, reviewer approval, or formal chain of custody.
Status and progress
During an operation, CertErase reports the current item, stage, progress, and final state. Final states include completed successfully, failed, and cancelled. A mixed session can contain successfully erased items and failed items; always review the item-level records rather than relying only on the final headline.