What does free space wiping do?When you delete a file in Windows, all you are really doing is deleting the "pointer" in the Master File Table. The data or file remains exactly as it was and where it was, but Windows doesn't know how to find it without the pointer. When you use an app to "wipe" the free space as you put it, it overwrites the file with zeros so the data is actually no longer on top of the disc.

I say "on top of the disc" because when all is said and DONE, even overwritten data is RECOVERABLE with the right software. In fact, certain law enforcement agencies can recover data that has been overwritten many times. Bottom line, short of using a magnet or a hammer it's virtually impossible to make data completely irretrievable.Does this mean that deleted files still take up hard drive space? My C drive is choked to the point of almost NON functionality. Does wiping free up hard drive space? I just bought an external hard drive, but questions about it require a new topic thread.Deleted files do not take up any space - the OS doesn't know they EXIST so it is free to use that space for other files. So would I accomplish ANYTHING useful by wiping? I don't have any secrets I need to hide and am not giving away my laptop any time soon.No.