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Hard drive showing an irregular amount of stored information...

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by cbn620, 2005/10/28.

  1. 2005/10/28
    cbn620

    cbn620 Inactive Thread Starter

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    ...It says I have 15 gigabytes used, but I simply do not have any such number of stored information on this computer. I asked around, and most people tell me Windows shouldn't be taking more than 5 gigs. Since I only have maybe 5 more gigs of stored information here, my C drive should only be showing about 10 gigs used, rather than 15.

    Could this be spyware on one of my family member's accounts (our machine's OS is Windows XP)? One of my friends told me I might look into reformatting, though he couldn't be certain.
     
    cbn620,
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  2. 2005/10/28
    shotsi

    shotsi Inactive

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    IMHO, I would look first at how much space I'm allowing 'System Restore' to use. This builds up over time. I allow mine to use the maximum available as I have plenty of free space. I know others in this forum have differing opinions about this feature, but it hasn't caused me any problems so I let it be.

    shotsi :)
     
    shotsi,
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  4. 2005/10/28
    Torpedo

    Torpedo Inactive

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    Reformatting wont tell u the exact problem.. so u need to first find the problem.
    first thing u can do is run a spyware and adaware check in safe mode... and let us know wat happens after u do that
     
    Torpedo,
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  5. 2005/10/28
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    cbn620 - Welcome to the Board :)

    In addition to checking on the amount of space used for System Restore it would be a good idea to clear your Temporary Internet files and set the space allocated to them to, say 50 Mb max.

    Also clear out all the temp files for each user account ....

    Start > Run > type in %temp% > OK. All the files found are safe to delete - a couple may not delete as they will be in use.

    You can also delete the contents of C:\Windows\Temp

    Empty the Recycle Bin - and, if you are using the Norton Protected Bin, empty that too.

    Let us know what effect this has on free space and do not consider reformatting at this time.
     
    PeteC,
    #4
  6. 2005/10/28
    BillyBob Lifetime Subscription

    BillyBob Inactive

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    I would venture a wild guess that those people are only thinking about the OS itslef.

    They may not be thinking about things that PeteC mentioned. Which BTW will eat up HUGH amounts of Disk space if not cleaned out once in awhile.

    And as Torpedo said. Formating will tell you absolutely NOTHING.

    I just took a peek at my One Restore point. It alone shows as being 22meg.

    I suggest that you open Windows Explorer ( not Internet Explorer ) and take a look around the HD. And I would suggest doing it before you start deleting anything.

    I myself use a program named PowerDesk for this purpose.

    BillyBob
     
    Last edited: 2005/10/28
    BillyBob,
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  7. 2005/10/28
    BillyBob Lifetime Subscription

    BillyBob Inactive

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    Take a look at PowerDesk HERE

    I myself have been using it since WAY, WAY back in the pays of Win95.

    BillyBob
     
    Last edited: 2005/10/28
    BillyBob,
    #6

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