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General discussion

Lost Storage

Jan 1, 2007 10:52PM PST

I have a problem with my storage space. I install files normally and they take up the right amount of space they're supposed too.
My problem is uninstalling, if I manually delete program files or use the uninstall wizard for large files (2gigs+), the files become deleted but the space it once used is still in usage. In other words, Space is being taken up by a file/program that is not there anymore.
It occurs with Zip files mostly, I believe .exe also and fairly recently a game i uninstalled. I am assuming that there is a cache somewhere where the extractions are being stored but the amount of space being used by the "temp" folders don't add up. Defragmenting doesn't seem to work either.
Can anyone recommend a program that I can use to locate and remove the ghost files. Or is it a problem with my hard drive?

Discussion is locked

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Re: lost space
Jan 1, 2007 11:02PM PST

I assume you checked the recycle bin?

Alternatives:
1. Use chkdsk http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/kbtip.mspx to check the integrity of the file system.

2. Download clduw (Disk usage for Windows) from http://clabs.org/clduw.htm to see the disk space used by each folder and subfolder. You'll be able to find unexpected big files in unexpected places with some work, I suppose.
Or use the equivalent i.disk. Both are free. There are others, but these are the 2 I use.

Hope this helps.


Kees

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Lost Storage
Jan 2, 2007 12:44AM PST

Ok so I did both programs and it turns out I'm missing about 14 gigs. With the clduw program i added up how much space is being used and free space and well 14 gigs is lost somewhere. I have my hard drive in two partitions. C drive for op software and D for games and media files and such.
I'm beginning to think i have a problem with my HD. Anyways, thank you very much.

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Is the System Volume Information folder listed?
Jan 2, 2007 12:57AM PST

Often I see people miss that folder in their count.

bob

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Re:
Jan 2, 2007 3:18AM PST

Would the System Volume folder be in my second partition? There is a folder called Recycler though, that is using about 1.5 gigs, I'm not seeing it listed when i open Windows Explorer though. I do also have the option to view hidden files enabled.

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Then that's likely it. To learn more about it.
Jan 2, 2007 3:48AM PST
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thanks
Jan 2, 2007 8:13AM PST

Thank you very much for your post. I will look more into it tomorow when I get some free time, but your link seems to have solutions for the problem. If i encounter any bumps i will post again , but thanks again for the input. Appreciate it much!