Product comparison

iolo DriveScrubber vs O&O FileErase

O&O FileErase is retained as an archived reference for selected-file and folder deletion. DriveScrubber's documented drive-level workflow addresses a broader target, making this a comparison of task scope rather than two equivalent current purchase options.

Feature comparison

Task	iolo DriveScrubber	O&O FileErase
Target	Contents of selected drives	Selected files and folders
Selection workflow	Identify the storage device to wipe	Add files or folders and review the deletion list
System drive	Bootable workflow for erasing the system-drive contents	The compared workflow focuses on selected files and folders
Free space	Free Space Wipe has been removed	Do not infer a free-space feature from file selection
Method selection	Review available wiping options in the installed release	Choose a deletion method after reviewing selected items
Catalog status	Drive-erasure entry with no release number specified	Archived entry retained for reference

DriveScrubber scope and versions

iolo removed Free Space Wipe because of data-safety concerns. Older descriptions of wiping only unused space while retaining Windows and active files should not be treated as an available current DriveScrubber workflow. Whole-drive wiping cannot substitute for that task when the existing contents must remain.

DriveScrubber documents secondary-drive wiping and bootable-media wiping for a system drive. Creating a bootable USB formats the selected USB, so distinguish that preparation target from the drive you intend to erase afterward. The catalog entry does not specify a release number; check the installed build and supported device guidance.

A drive-level task or a selected-file task?

Consider the documented DriveScrubber workflow when you intend to remove the selected drive's contents before reuse or handover. Use its bootable-media workflow for a system drive, and plan the subsequent installation or recovery separately.

For an existing FileErase installation, review its narrower file-and-folder selection workflow. Selecting a folder for deletion does not mean the rest of the drive or areas containing older deleted data are also processed.

FileErase is an archived product in this catalog and is included for reference. For a current entry covering both selected items and broader storage tasks, review O&O SafeErase 21 or the existing Laplink SafeErase comparison.

Review iolo DriveScrubber and O&O FileErase for the compared catalog entries.

Define what must remain before choosing the scope

List the data to retain and verify an independent copy of anything needed.
Use disposable material to review how the application selects its targets.
Confirm whether the operation addresses selected items or an entire storage device.
Inspect completion information and keep separate archives and cloud copies in view when defining the intended removal scope.

This comparison describes documented operations. We have not benchmarked wiping speed or independently verified sanitization coverage. Treat erasure as permanent; a higher overwrite count does not by itself establish complete coverage on every storage device, and separate copies remain outside the selected local operation.

Compared products

Cards identify the compared catalog entries. Check the installed release and edition.