cc cleaner

when i run cc cleaner and delete files where do they really go?

build 1904rrct

Berton said:

Depends on what they are, I suppose permanent deletion. But next time you run CCleaner [originally called Crap Cleaner] empty the Recycle Bin first and check if any files land there after deletion.

For me, on 3 systems, they aren't.

Lance1 said:

CCleaner doesn't send file anywhere. They are overwritten. You have the option of running 1 pass and up to 35 passes for complete overwrite.

Secure deletion isn't the default. (It is an option.) I believe that CCleaner does the equivalent of a full Windows delete (as if you sent the file to the recycle bin, and then emptied it.) The files may be recoverable, but I have no successful experience with undelete utilities. You could try Recuva, from the same people as make CCleaner.