Clean disk security?

Does it actually work? It's a program that deletes your free space so that files cannot be recovered. Before selling my computer I ran it, for its maximum 35 passes and used some recovery program which recovered nothing. I then tested it by creating a file and deleting it, the program recovered it, i ran clean disk, the program couldn't recover it anymore. You have to do more than one pass though. The reviews for it were all good...but i was wondering if they were fake. Two people who posted questions on here said it didn't work. Maybe I just used a crappy recovery program?

What are your opinions on it?

http://www.download.com/Clean-Disk-Secur...

Clean disk security?antivirus downloads

If I was going to sell a computer I would wipe the entire hard drive and then reload the operating system and drivers.

I would use Darik's Boot and Nuke SE (free)

Darik's Boot and Nuke SE

http://www.download.com/Darik-s-Boot-and...

http://dban.sourceforge.net/

DBAN will automatically and completely delete the contents of any hard disk that it can detect, which makes it an appropriate utility for bulk or emergency data destruction.

Clean disk security?cafe racer

Revised Answer:

Ok, I see what you mean. That program works well if, like you mentioned, if you run multiple passes over your hard drive. Deleting the file outright or using a small amount of passes, you will be able to recover it. Bad recovery software might or might not be able to recover it. With professional recovery software it most likely will be recovered. However, if you used the maximum amount of passes, then it's history. I am not sure you told you it didn't work, but they are incorrect. If you still feel insecure, try to obtain a better recovery program, but I doubt you will see those files again.