1. A method for modifying a first storage medium having a plurality of files including a first file that includes a plurality of data blocks, wherein the first storage medium includes a first metadata structure that describes the plurality of files, the method comprising: providing a first modification tool; operatively coupling the first storage medium to the modification tool, wherein the operatively coupling includes bypassing a file-system component of a first operating system used to manipulate the plurality of files; constructing a second metadata structure that describes the plurality of files; and dematerializing, using the first modification tool, at least the first file to form one or more dematerialized files, wherein the dematerializing of the at least first file includes: rendering the first file inaccessible without destroying the plurality of data blocks of the first file and without releasing the plurality of data blocks of the first file for reallocation.