low disk space message

I've got one of those newfangled small-box computers with an "integrated" mobo. It's got a 120GB HD with a recovery partition. This is the first time I've had a computer with a recovery partition, so I've never relied on it, and would actually question whether or not I should keep it - especially since in the last week it has suddenly started giving an error message that the partition drive (D: ) is low on space, with prompts to empty the recycle bin (it's always empty), uninstall Windows components, delete all but most recent restore points (done), etc. There's nothing left I can do to "free up space" on drive D. I have also tried to defrag, but Disk Defragmenter says I don't need to defrag, AND there's 0% free space, so it doesn't want to run anyway. It's prompting me to delete files or programs. I've already deleted old restore points.

1)Why am I getting this message and how can I make it go away?
2) Is it recommended to maintain a recovery partition when I regularly back up, and don't rely on "saved" settings?

 

Hi Pete,

No, the computer did not come with an install/recovery disk (which absolutely *amazes* me), but I did make a 3-CD recovery set when the computer was new.

Yes, drive D is the recovery partition, and System Restore *was* monitoring drive D. I have turned that off. But *if* that partition is necessary, won't it also be necessary to resolve what's causing the low disk space and then re-enable System Restore on that drive?

I have also read the page provided in the link, but don't see how turning off the notification will fix the problem, only the symptom that's telling me there *is* a problem.

Sooooo, here's an idea, what do you think? I have Partition Magic. I *could* resize drive D temporarily to gain access to it. Once I've gained access, how do I discover what has caused the low disk message, and how do I determine what's needed for recovery? OR, since I have the recovery disks, is it safe to delete that partition entirely and rely on the recovery disks in case of emergency?

Thanks.

 

Thanks, Pete. I think I will delete the partition. But before I do, I have a related question.

Opening Partition Magic, it indicates that there are 33.7MB free on drive D, which it shows as a primary partition(?) Recently I've been having trouble with my backup DVDs saying they are full when they've only got ~2.5GB of data on them - even after erasing/reformatting them. I was able to free up the remaining space on the DVDs by using a second burning program.

Is it possible that these two "malfunctions" are related?

 

Thanks for the info!

 

Hard to say about keeping partition
It is an OS with drivers that comes with the device
Often however these versions of windows are so laden with hidden software that slow you to a crawl ( read hp)

To turn off the low disk notification it seems to be a registry fix

links: http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-1035_11-5210496.html

oe http://home.earthlink.net/~lreynol929/ruXP/ContPanl/lowspace.htm

http://www.tweakxp.com/article37577.aspx

It would be a good idea to free up space for the virtual memory of windows to run


some ideas-

uninstall programs and windows and windows components not needed
check for orphan program folders
general cleanup and defrag
turn off or reduce system restore from the 10 % of hard drive space allocation default
ditto for the trash can allocation
freeing up space should speed the computer up.
typically the partition with the os backup are not that big ( could be wrong)