Free space getting sucked up.

[FlyNAVY]

We have two computers running Win7 - 64 bit; one a desktop, the other a laptop. The desktop has two physical hard drives; one is designated (C) for Windows and Programs and (D) for data. I have the single laptop drive separated into two partitions - (C) and (D) with same functions as the desktop. They are both experiencing a similar problem. The (C) drive on both will begin to show a greatly diminished amount of free space on the drive. I've explored every folder, including hidden and protected, and can find nothing out of the ordinary. My cure is to run a restore from a recent backup of the drive. When the operation has completed, the (C) drive will show an increase of 40-60 GB of free space. Whatever the problem is, the backup operation is not seeing it. Anyone out there with ideas?? Thanks!!

 

[LUCKY KEY]

I had a similar problem and discovered a massive amount of space being taken up by temp files. When I dumped them (successfully), it eliminated EIGHTY gig of temp files!!!! There is a SW called "Tree Size (Free)" that I downloaded to get a clear image of the sizes and locations of all of my directories. Highly recommended! I then searched for temp and began eliminating. As of this writing, I do not recall the directory that held the 80 GB but will try to return to this forum later this week to add to my answer. Good luck.

 

[nojum]

I also have this problem. I already did disk clean up and uninstalled some unnecessary applications but space is still getting sucked up even when I don't download anything! My laptop is an HP Stream 13 :/

 

[LUCKY KEY]

See above. From what I understand, downloads are not the only way that space in taken up in Windows.
Windows does a great job cataloguing data for quick access at a future time but it overdoes it as well. Go into your temp folders, as mentioned above and delete the files. Pay attention though to temp folders where you get a Windows message that the files are needed for system. Don't trash those.. Otherwise 99.99% of the temp folders take up, unnecessarily, tons and tons of valuable space.

 

[TrainableMan]

Much of the space may be taken by hidden files you cannot even see. My best recommendation is to download & install the freeware product CCleaner (See our Freeware DB). CCleaner is great at identifying files that are safe to remove.

 

[nojum]

Thank you, really helpful! Was able to delete unnecessary garbage apps pre-installed before buying it.