Google's Eric Kuan said in a Google Webmaster Help thread that even if you use a disavow file to remove links, Google may not process them if they don't see you making a serious manual attempt at removing those links.
Eric said:
The disavow tool should be used primarily if you have done everything you can to remove an inorganic link and still cannot get the link removed. If you are primarily disavowing links and not trying to remove them, your reconsideration request may not be successful.
Other reasons why the disavow tool may not work for you include:
- Double check your disavow file and make sure the link you mentioned is properly disavowed. You can download your latest Disavow file by going to the Disavow tool, clicking "Disavow Links", and clicking "Download".
- Documentation is really good and can help when reviewing your site for reconsideration. Make sure that when you send in documentation that it's accessible, though. It looks like https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_RnM_AdwlOzRm55V3JKNVNoMDQ/edit?usp=drive_web hasn't been shared properly.
This is not new, but it is important to remind our readers.
Forum discussion at Google Webmaster Help.
