So, I’m trying to clean up every non-essential program from my computer to free up space. When I open my hard drive through "My Computer", my Windows file is using over 35 gigs of space. When I open the actual Windows folder and combine all the files (including Hidden), they total around 4 gigs of space, which I think isn’t too far off the normal mark. So it would seem that Windows XP is just stealing squirreling away about 30 gigs of needed disc space.
Here’s what I’ve tried so far:
– Removing all alloted space for Recycle Bin
– Completely turning off System Restore options
– Running CCleaner, Wise Disk/Registry Cleaner, and the regular old Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter.
– Clearing out all cookies, temp folders, and logs.
I’m not sure how to thank those who answer, so I’ll do it ahead of time. THANK YOU… if anyone has any ideas, please let me know.
Ok, thanks guys for responding. I’ll try your suggestions. Just to be clear, I’m opening My Computer, then clicking once on my hard drive. It tells me I have 45 gigs of used space, when I then open my hard drive, I right click on the Windows folder, then click Properties. The folder properties display tells me 35 gigs are being used. When I then open the Windows folder and select all the contents, they only total to about 4 gigs.
Tagged with: 30 gigs • amp • click properties • disc space • disk cleanup • disk defragmenter • folder properties • folders • hard drive • logs • registry cleaner • windows folder • windows xp
Filed under: Windows Repair Software
There are programs that will help you see disk usage.
http://download.cnet.com/WinDirStat/3000-2248_4-10614593.html?tag=mncol
You mean that your system partition ( mostly C: ) is using 35 gigs of available space while your windir only takes 4 gigs?
It is very much possible if you installed all of your programs in that partition too.
How big is your "Program Files" folder?
Try to remove unneeded programs.
If after removing some programs, the used space does not decrease, try to search files that larger than 20 megs ( including those with hidden attribute )
Remove unwanted files ( be sure before doing it or you will mess the system )
35 gigabytes of space is a bit excessive. According to MicroSoft (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947311) Windows XP with Service Pack 3 only requires 30 megabytes of disk space. As you’ve run many disk cleanup utilities, I recommend going to "My Computer" and then go to the properties for your hard drive. Then go to the folder called "Tools" and click on Check-Now under "Error Checking". Select the box next to "Automatically fix errors…" and save your choices. It will tell you it will run the next time you start the syste. It takes awhile but it will go through and find any bad spots on your hard drive which may not be usable and so windows has blocked access to them, then it will try to repair those. If it does come back with bad sectors and it’s not reparable, you may want to consider purchasing a new hard drive as it’s starting to wear out. If it comes back with no bad sectors found and nothing repaired, then go to your control panel, open the add/remove programs app, and see if you have a bunch of large applications which could be utilizing the disk space. If you don’t need them, uninstall them. Hope this helps!