[OnceMore]

if i use a program like truecrypt or fotfe to encrypt my hard disk, will using crap cleaner's wipe free space feature (which I believe appends zero's) ruin the encryption? i'd ask the truecrypt forums but they won't let me post.

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certain encryption routines run at system level such as microsoft disk encryption. 3rd party encryption such as Axcrypt or Truecrypt all you to wipe free space. However, since the drive is already encrypted, there isn't much gained by doing this.

from truecrypt faq:

Do I have to "wipe" free space and/or files on a TrueCrypt volume?

Remark: to "wipe" = to securely erase; to overwrite sensitive data in order to render them unrecoverable.

If you believe that an adversary will be able to decrypt the volume (for example that he will make you reveal the password), then the answer is yes. Otherwise, it is not necessary, because the volume is entirely encrypted.

[starjax]

certain encryption routines run at system level such as microsoft disk encryption. 3rd party encryption such as Axcrypt or Truecrypt all you to wipe free space. However, since the drive is already encrypted, there isn't much gained by doing this.

from truecrypt faq:

Do I have to "wipe" free space and/or files on a TrueCrypt volume?

Remark: to "wipe" = to securely erase; to overwrite sensitive data in order to render them unrecoverable.

If you believe that an adversary will be able to decrypt the volume (for example that he will make you reveal the password), then the answer is yes. Otherwise, it is not necessary, because the volume is entirely encrypted.