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Install and activate

Install O&O SafeErase, then activate it with a license key or start the trial version.

Prerequisites: The PC meets the system requirements. You are signed in with an account that has administrator rights. For the Server Edition on Windows Server, use the setup file of the Server Edition.

Install O&O SafeErase​

  1. Close all running programs.
  2. Start the setup file that you downloaded from the O&O website.
  3. Confirm the Windows prompt for administrator rights.
  4. Accept the license agreement and follow the setup.
  5. Under the components, keep or clear the optional parts:
    • Shell extensions: the commands in the File Explorer context menu.
    • Shredder: a desktop icon onto which you drop files and folders to erase them.
    • Command line: OOSafeEraseCmd.exe for scripts; see Command line.
  6. Restart the PC if the setup asks you to.

Result: O&O SafeErase and its service are installed. The setup also installs the .NET runtime that the program needs.

Activate the license or start the trial​

When O&O SafeErase starts without a license, it shows that it is not activated yet.

  1. Select Enter license.
  2. Enter the license key exactly as in your order confirmation or on your license card. Do not confuse the digit 1 with the letter I, or 0 with O.
  3. Confirm. Alternatively, start the trial version.

Result: O&O SafeErase is activated, or the trial version runs. During the trial, a notice shows the remaining days.

In the trial version, erasing drives and partitions and Fortress Mode are not available. When the trial has expired, O&O SafeErase can no longer erase until you enter a license. Buy now opens the O&O online shop.

A license applies to one computer. For several computers, or for erasing computers on behalf of customers, contact O&O Sales or your reseller about suitable licenses.

Check for updates​

The program information at the bottom of the navigation shows the installed version and the license, and checks for updates. By default, O&O SafeErase also looks for updates automatically; see Settings > LiveUpdate.

Updates within the same major version keep the license. A new major version requires a new license key. After an update, rebuild Fortress Mode if it is set up.

Uninstall O&O SafeErase​

  1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps in Windows.
  2. Select O&O SafeErase > Uninstall and confirm.

If Fortress Mode is set up, remove it in O&O SafeErase first; see Rebuild or remove Fortress Mode.

Next steps​