PCTech Forums

Right click, properties on my HDD, says 157GB used, 75 free.
I've got 126GB in program files, 3GB in WINDOWS, 6GB in Documents and Settings, and just over 500MB in the other folders just under C:\
so that works out to 135GB ish. So wheres the other 20GB in supposedly using? :S

There is a difference between file size and file size on disk or better put the amount of space allocated for said file.

It could also be in hidden and system files if viewing them is turned off.

the numbers i gave are what windows quoted as size on disk. I also have hidden files and folders showing.
Just a thought, could it be that it's just ignoring hidden stuff anyway?

Have you emptied your recycle bin lately?

always empty

Basically you are missing about 10% of your HDD space.
Do you have System Restore turned on?

If so it would be found in your root:
C:\System Volume Information

I think theres something wrong with whatever tool tells you the used and free GB when you right click properties on the hard drive in windows explorer. I deleted a movie the other day, about 700MB, and now I'm being told that I'm using 145GB. So I've suddenly cleared up 12GB.

Also, to gecko, I found the system restore settings and I guess it isn't turned on because the box with "Turn off System Restore" next to it, is not checked =P
You we're right though, 12% (28615MB apparently) is the disk space system restore is allowed.
However, I don't have a folder directly under C:\ called System Volume Information. Would I have to create a restore point for this folder to be created?
Thanks for your help btw

There are two settings you need to tweak and I believe you have only tweaked one, "Show system files." The second one is "hide protected operating system files." Uncheck that one and the System restore folder should be visible. I don't recommend leaving the second one unchecked, too much clutter, and--- if you accidently delete something--well ---

Also I imagine that its possible to copy a DVD with say two meg of data, and have the blank area copy with it. The best way to check out the drive is to run chkdsk from the c drives property box. Do a complete check, it will ask for you to reboot to perform the task and should take about 20 minutes.