How to figure out what's plugging up my hard drive

I have a 3 year old Dell computer running WinXP pro.... fully updated....
with a 190 gig hard drive that is almost completely full.

Using Add/Remove Programs I've removed all software I'm not using. I've run
the WinXP Disk Cleanup utility. But these steps have not solved the glut.

I can't figure out what's the remaining space hog. According to Windows
Explorer my Progams folder contains 148 gigs. I haven't figured out how to
determine which specific folder/program is the disk space hog.

I suspect one of the program files has somehow grown way to fat. Any tips on
how I can locate the culprit and get back some space?

jeff

Big
Tue May 13 14:21:22 PDT 2008

Jeff Ingman wrote:
> I have a 3 year old Dell computer running WinXP pro.... fully updated....
> with a 190 gig hard drive that is almost completely full.
>
> Using Add/Remove Programs I've removed all software I'm not using. I've run
> the WinXP Disk Cleanup utility. But these steps have not solved the glut.
>
> I can't figure out what's the remaining space hog. According to Windows
> Explorer my Progams folder contains 148 gigs. I haven't figured out how to
> determine which specific folder/program is the disk space hog.
>
> I suspect one of the program files has somehow grown way to fat. Any tips on
> how I can locate the culprit and get back some space?
>
> jeff
>
>
Download and run this tree program. It will show you each folder and its
size. Just let it run on C:, then open any folders you wish to check
the space on.
http://www.jam-software.com/freeware/index.shtml

Nepatsfan
Tue May 13 14:25:26 PDT 2008

"Jeff Ingman" <jeff@ingmancompany.com> wrote in message
news:OZadnZnkCardmbfVnZ2dnUVZ_u-dnZ2d@scnresearch.com...
>I have a 3 year old Dell computer running WinXP pro.... fully updated.... with
>a 190 gig hard drive that is almost completely full.
>
> Using Add/Remove Programs I've removed all software I'm not using. I've run
> the WinXP Disk Cleanup utility. But these steps have not solved the glut.
>
> I can't figure out what's the remaining space hog. According to Windows
> Explorer my Progams folder contains 148 gigs. I haven't figured out how to
> determine which specific folder/program is the disk space hog.
>
> I suspect one of the program files has somehow grown way to fat. Any tips on
> how I can locate the culprit and get back some space?
>
> jeff
>

You might find one of these programs helpful.

SequoiaView 1.3
http://www.win.tue.nl/sequoiaview/

JDiskReport
http://www.jgoodies.com/freeware/jdiskreport/index.html

Good luck

Nepatsfan

Colin
Tue May 13 15:07:24 PDT 2008

Empty the recycle bin and then defragment the hard drive. Then see what you
have.

"Jeff Ingman" <jeff@ingmancompany.com> wrote in message
news:OZadnZnkCardmbfVnZ2dnUVZ_u-dnZ2d@scnresearch.com...
>I have a 3 year old Dell computer running WinXP pro.... fully updated....
>with a 190 gig hard drive that is almost completely full.
>
> Using Add/Remove Programs I've removed all software I'm not using. I've
> run the WinXP Disk Cleanup utility. But these steps have not solved the
> glut.
>
> I can't figure out what's the remaining space hog. According to Windows
> Explorer my Progams folder contains 148 gigs. I haven't figured out how to
> determine which specific folder/program is the disk space hog.
>
> I suspect one of the program files has somehow grown way to fat. Any tips
> on how I can locate the culprit and get back some space?
>
> jeff
>

Jeff
Tue May 13 15:38:31 PDT 2008

Colin...

I can't defrag because the disk is virtually full.

jeff


"Colin Barnhorst" <c.barnhorst@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:4383525A-9C07-4630-BBC2-29BD0065D302@microsoft.com...
> Empty the recycle bin and then defragment the hard drive. Then see what
> you have.
>
> "Jeff Ingman" <jeff@ingmancompany.com> wrote in message
> news:OZadnZnkCardmbfVnZ2dnUVZ_u-dnZ2d@scnresearch.com...
>>I have a 3 year old Dell computer running WinXP pro.... fully updated....
>>with a 190 gig hard drive that is almost completely full.
>>
>> Using Add/Remove Programs I've removed all software I'm not using. I've
>> run the WinXP Disk Cleanup utility. But these steps have not solved the
>> glut.
>>
>> I can't figure out what's the remaining space hog. According to Windows
>> Explorer my Progams folder contains 148 gigs. I haven't figured out how
>> to determine which specific folder/program is the disk space hog.
>>
>> I suspect one of the program files has somehow grown way to fat. Any tips
>> on how I can locate the culprit and get back some space?
>>
>> jeff
>>
>

Jeff
Tue May 13 15:42:35 PDT 2008

I just had a further thought.

When I run Add/Remove programs I see a TON of MS updates. They may or may
not be a contributor to my space problem.

Would it be smart to remove all the MS "fixes"... and (if this gives me
enough space) defrag and run Windows Update to restore the critical updates?

jeff

"Jeff Ingman" <jeff@ingmancompany.com> wrote in message
news:OZadnZnkCardmbfVnZ2dnUVZ_u-dnZ2d@scnresearch.com...
>I have a 3 year old Dell computer running WinXP pro.... fully updated....
>with a 190 gig hard drive that is almost completely full.
>
> Using Add/Remove Programs I've removed all software I'm not using. I've
> run the WinXP Disk Cleanup utility. But these steps have not solved the
> glut.
>
> I can't figure out what's the remaining space hog. According to Windows
> Explorer my Progams folder contains 148 gigs. I haven't figured out how to
> determine which specific folder/program is the disk space hog.
>
> I suspect one of the program files has somehow grown way to fat. Any tips
> on how I can locate the culprit and get back some space?
>
> jeff
>

Big
Tue May 13 15:48:04 PDT 2008

Jeff Ingman wrote:
> Colin...
>
> I can't defrag because the disk is virtually full.
>
> jeff
>
>
> "Colin Barnhorst" <c.barnhorst@comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:4383525A-9C07-4630-BBC2-29BD0065D302@microsoft.com...
>> Empty the recycle bin and then defragment the hard drive. Then see what
>> you have.
>>
>> "Jeff Ingman" <jeff@ingmancompany.com> wrote in message
>> news:OZadnZnkCardmbfVnZ2dnUVZ_u-dnZ2d@scnresearch.com...
>>> I have a 3 year old Dell computer running WinXP pro.... fully updated....
>>> with a 190 gig hard drive that is almost completely full.
>>>
>>> Using Add/Remove Programs I've removed all software I'm not using. I've
>>> run the WinXP Disk Cleanup utility. But these steps have not solved the
>>> glut.
>>>
>>> I can't figure out what's the remaining space hog. According to Windows
>>> Explorer my Progams folder contains 148 gigs. I haven't figured out how
>>> to determine which specific folder/program is the disk space hog.
>>>
>>> I suspect one of the program files has somehow grown way to fat. Any tips
>>> on how I can locate the culprit and get back some space?
>>>
>>> jeff
>>>
>
>
I you can open IE, then open tools -> internet options ->General tab.
CLick delete under browsing history. This will clear the temp files.
Then click on settings under browsing history and change the disk space
down maybe to 50 meg or less. This may clear up some space for a
while till you can get a better handle.

But several suggested downloads have been give to allow you to diagnose
your space. I for one sent one. I'd persue them.

Big
Tue May 13 15:49:49 PDT 2008

No.

Jeff Ingman wrote:
> I just had a further thought.
>
> When I run Add/Remove programs I see a TON of MS updates. They may or may
> not be a contributor to my space problem.
>
> Would it be smart to remove all the MS "fixes"... and (if this gives me
> enough space) defrag and run Windows Update to restore the critical updates?
>
> jeff
>
> "Jeff Ingman" <jeff@ingmancompany.com> wrote in message
> news:OZadnZnkCardmbfVnZ2dnUVZ_u-dnZ2d@scnresearch.com...
>> I have a 3 year old Dell computer running WinXP pro.... fully updated....
>> with a 190 gig hard drive that is almost completely full.
>>
>> Using Add/Remove Programs I've removed all software I'm not using. I've
>> run the WinXP Disk Cleanup utility. But these steps have not solved the
>> glut.
>>
>> I can't figure out what's the remaining space hog. According to Windows
>> Explorer my Progams folder contains 148 gigs. I haven't figured out how to
>> determine which specific folder/program is the disk space hog.
>>
>> I suspect one of the program files has somehow grown way to fat. Any tips
>> on how I can locate the culprit and get back some space?
>>
>> jeff
>>
>
>

3c273
Tue May 13 15:51:01 PDT 2008

Go to the following link and get ShowMan. Also click on the "Runtimes" link
and download the runtime libraries. ShowMan will give you a pie chart
showing where all of the space is being used.
http://www.david-taylor.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/software/disk.html#ShowMan
Louis

"Jeff Ingman" <jeff@ingmancompany.com> wrote in message
news:SeqdnfQcaPD6hbfVnZ2dnUVZ_qjinZ2d@scnresearch.com...
> Colin...
>
> I can't defrag because the disk is virtually full.
>
> jeff
>
>
> "Colin Barnhorst" <c.barnhorst@comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:4383525A-9C07-4630-BBC2-29BD0065D302@microsoft.com...
> > Empty the recycle bin and then defragment the hard drive. Then see what
> > you have.
> >
> > "Jeff Ingman" <jeff@ingmancompany.com> wrote in message
> > news:OZadnZnkCardmbfVnZ2dnUVZ_u-dnZ2d@scnresearch.com...
> >>I have a 3 year old Dell computer running WinXP pro.... fully
updated....
> >>with a 190 gig hard drive that is almost completely full.
> >>
> >> Using Add/Remove Programs I've removed all software I'm not using. I've
> >> run the WinXP Disk Cleanup utility. But these steps have not solved the
> >> glut.
> >>
> >> I can't figure out what's the remaining space hog. According to Windows
> >> Explorer my Progams folder contains 148 gigs. I haven't figured out how
> >> to determine which specific folder/program is the disk space hog.
> >>
> >> I suspect one of the program files has somehow grown way to fat. Any
tips
> >> on how I can locate the culprit and get back some space?
> >>
> >> jeff
> >>
> >
>
>

Big
Tue May 13 15:55:03 PDT 2008

3c273 wrote:
> Go to the following link and get ShowMan. Also click on the "Runtimes" link
> and download the runtime libraries. ShowMan will give you a pie chart
> showing where all of the space is being used.
> http://www.david-taylor.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/software/disk.html#ShowMan
> Louis
>
> "Jeff Ingman" <jeff@ingmancompany.com> wrote in message
> news:SeqdnfQcaPD6hbfVnZ2dnUVZ_qjinZ2d@scnresearch.com...
>> Colin...
>>
>> I can't defrag because the disk is virtually full.
>>
>> jeff
>>
>>
>> "Colin Barnhorst" <c.barnhorst@comcast.net> wrote in message
>> news:4383525A-9C07-4630-BBC2-29BD0065D302@microsoft.com...
>>> Empty the recycle bin and then defragment the hard drive. Then see what
>>> you have.
>>>
>>> "Jeff Ingman" <jeff@ingmancompany.com> wrote in message
>>> news:OZadnZnkCardmbfVnZ2dnUVZ_u-dnZ2d@scnresearch.com...
>>>> I have a 3 year old Dell computer running WinXP pro.... fully
> updated....
>>>> with a 190 gig hard drive that is almost completely full.
>>>>
>>>> Using Add/Remove Programs I've removed all software I'm not using. I've
>>>> run the WinXP Disk Cleanup utility. But these steps have not solved the
>>>> glut.
>>>>
>>>> I can't figure out what's the remaining space hog. According to Windows
>>>> Explorer my Progams folder contains 148 gigs. I haven't figured out how
>>>> to determine which specific folder/program is the disk space hog.
>>>>
>>>> I suspect one of the program files has somehow grown way to fat. Any
> tips
>>>> on how I can locate the culprit and get back some space?
>>>>
>>>> jeff
>>>>
>>
>
>
Evidently he's reluctant because I passed on the treesize program
(yours/mine who cares as long as it points out sizes) and I don't see
any response about the results of any.

Big
Tue May 13 15:57:50 PDT 2008

3c273 wrote:
> Go to the following link and get ShowMan. Also click on the "Runtimes" link
> and download the runtime libraries. ShowMan will give you a pie chart
> showing where all of the space is being used.
> http://www.david-taylor.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/software/disk.html#ShowMan
> Louis
>
> "Jeff Ingman" <jeff@ingmancompany.com> wrote in message
> news:SeqdnfQcaPD6hbfVnZ2dnUVZ_qjinZ2d@scnresearch.com...
>> Colin...
>>
>> I can't defrag because the disk is virtually full.
>>
>> jeff
>>
>>
>> "Colin Barnhorst" <c.barnhorst@comcast.net> wrote in message
>> news:4383525A-9C07-4630-BBC2-29BD0065D302@microsoft.com...
>>> Empty the recycle bin and then defragment the hard drive. Then see what
>>> you have.
>>>
>>> "Jeff Ingman" <jeff@ingmancompany.com> wrote in message
>>> news:OZadnZnkCardmbfVnZ2dnUVZ_u-dnZ2d@scnresearch.com...
>>>> I have a 3 year old Dell computer running WinXP pro.... fully
> updated....
>>>> with a 190 gig hard drive that is almost completely full.
>>>>
>>>> Using Add/Remove Programs I've removed all software I'm not using. I've
>>>> run the WinXP Disk Cleanup utility. But these steps have not solved the
>>>> glut.
>>>>
>>>> I can't figure out what's the remaining space hog. According to Windows
>>>> Explorer my Progams folder contains 148 gigs. I haven't figured out how
>>>> to determine which specific folder/program is the disk space hog.
>>>>
>>>> I suspect one of the program files has somehow grown way to fat. Any
> tips
>>>> on how I can locate the culprit and get back some space?
>>>>
>>>> jeff
>>>>
>>
>
>
Have you tried treesize? It looks like the explorer part of it is a
bit better than showman. Granted treesize needs an install.

Jim
Tue May 13 15:56:56 PDT 2008


"Jeff Ingman" <jeff@ingmancompany.com> wrote in message
news:SeqdnfQcaPD6hbfVnZ2dnUVZ_qjinZ2d@scnresearch.com...
> Colin...
>
> I can't defrag because the disk is virtually full.
>
> jeff
>
>
> "Colin Barnhorst" <c.barnhorst@comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:4383525A-9C07-4630-BBC2-29BD0065D302@microsoft.com...
>> Empty the recycle bin and then defragment the hard drive. Then see what
>> you have.
>>
>> "Jeff Ingman" <jeff@ingmancompany.com> wrote in message
>> news:OZadnZnkCardmbfVnZ2dnUVZ_u-dnZ2d@scnresearch.com...
>>>I have a 3 year old Dell computer running WinXP pro.... fully updated....
>>>with a 190 gig hard drive that is almost completely full.
>>>
>>> Using Add/Remove Programs I've removed all software I'm not using. I've
>>> run the WinXP Disk Cleanup utility. But these steps have not solved the
>>> glut.
>>>
>>> I can't figure out what's the remaining space hog. According to Windows
>>> Explorer my Progams folder contains 148 gigs. I haven't figured out how
>>> to determine which specific folder/program is the disk space hog.
>>>
>>> I suspect one of the program files has somehow grown way to fat. Any
>>> tips on how I can locate the culprit and get back some space?
>>>
>>> jeff
>>>
>>
>
>
Then empty the recycle bin. Also, remove the restore points. See how much
space gets used.
148 GB is way way more space than your computer should be using. You may
need to examine every folder to find where all of the space has gone.
Jim

Big
Tue May 13 16:02:51 PDT 2008

And Jeff is running a 2nd thread on this group and is contemplating
reload. So all of our time helping him here may be for naught.

R
Tue May 13 16:21:58 PDT 2008

Sometimes the disk/volume can be "Dirty" where the drive is
shown with Allocated space that is actually freespace.

"Big Al" <BigAl@nowhere.com> wrote in message
news:v6pWj.21559$5b3.20789@trnddc05...
> And Jeff is running a 2nd thread on this group and is contemplating
> reload. So all of our time helping him here may be for naught.
>

HeyBub
Tue May 13 16:27:49 PDT 2008

Jeff Ingman wrote:
> I just had a further thought.
>
> When I run Add/Remove programs I see a TON of MS updates. They may or
> may not be a contributor to my space problem.
>
> Would it be smart to remove all the MS "fixes"... and (if this gives
> me enough space) defrag and run Windows Update to restore the
> critical updates?

Usually it's not PROGRAMS that clog up a drive, it's data.

By data, I include temporary files, restore points, and browsing history in
addition to ordinary things like letters, faxes, movies, pictures of cats,
music, and other must-keep things.

Big
Tue May 13 16:33:15 PDT 2008

R. McCarty wrote:
> Sometimes the disk/volume can be "Dirty" where the drive is
> shown with Allocated space that is actually freespace.
>
> "Big Al" <BigAl@nowhere.com> wrote in message
> news:v6pWj.21559$5b3.20789@trnddc05...
>> And Jeff is running a 2nd thread on this group and is contemplating
>> reload. So all of our time helping him here may be for naught.
>>
>
>
In which case chkdsk would be a better utility to run to correct that
error. Thats reasonable.

Daave
Tue May 13 18:28:44 PDT 2008

"Jeff Ingman" <jeff@ingmancompany.com> wrote in message
news:FN-dnYBLbN_GhLfVnZ2dnUVZ_i2dnZ2d@scnresearch.com...
>I just had a further thought.
>
> When I run Add/Remove programs I see a TON of MS updates. They may or
> may not be a contributor to my space problem.
>
> Would it be smart to remove all the MS "fixes"... and (if this gives
> me enough space) defrag and run Windows Update to restore the critical
> updates?

It wouldn't be smart at all. What would be smart is to empty the recycle
bin (which was already suggested at least two other times).

Colin
Tue May 13 19:06:25 PDT 2008

The updates in Add/Remove are just a drop in the ocean. You need to remove
large files. However, if you have not emptied the Recycle Bin and defragged
you may not be getting updated information because the file system has not
processed the free space.

"Jeff Ingman" <jeff@ingmancompany.com> wrote in message
news:FN-dnYBLbN_GhLfVnZ2dnUVZ_i2dnZ2d@scnresearch.com...
>I just had a further thought.
>
> When I run Add/Remove programs I see a TON of MS updates. They may or may
> not be a contributor to my space problem.
>
> Would it be smart to remove all the MS "fixes"... and (if this gives me
> enough space) defrag and run Windows Update to restore the critical
> updates?
>
> jeff
>
> "Jeff Ingman" <jeff@ingmancompany.com> wrote in message
> news:OZadnZnkCardmbfVnZ2dnUVZ_u-dnZ2d@scnresearch.com...
>>I have a 3 year old Dell computer running WinXP pro.... fully updated....
>>with a 190 gig hard drive that is almost completely full.
>>
>> Using Add/Remove Programs I've removed all software I'm not using. I've
>> run the WinXP Disk Cleanup utility. But these steps have not solved the
>> glut.
>>
>> I can't figure out what's the remaining space hog. According to Windows
>> Explorer my Progams folder contains 148 gigs. I haven't figured out how
>> to determine which specific folder/program is the disk space hog.
>>
>> I suspect one of the program files has somehow grown way to fat. Any tips
>> on how I can locate the culprit and get back some space?
>>
>> jeff
>>
>
>

Gerry
Wed May 14 00:22:58 PDT 2008

Jeff

There are some files which mess up reconciliing used space + free space
= disk size.

Go to Start, Control Panel, Folder Options, View, Advanced Settings and
verify that the box before "Show hidden files and folders" is checked
and "Hide protected operating system files " is unchecked. You may need
to scroll down to see the second item. You should also make certain that
the box before "Hide extensions for known file types" is not checked.
Next in Windows Explorer make sure View, Details is selected and then
select View, Choose Details and check before Name, Type, Total Size, and
Free Space.

You will find some files remain hidden even after taking the action
referred to above. Notably the contents of the System Volume Information
folder, where System Restore points amongst other things. The default is
12% of the drive which for your drive equates to about 22.8 gb.

The default allocation to System Restore is 12% on your C partition
which is over generous. I would reduce it to 700 mb. Right click your My
Computer icon on the Desktop and select System Restore. Place the cursor
on your C drive select Settings but this time find the slider and drag
it to the left until it reads 700 mb and exit. When you get to the
Settings screen click on Apply and OK and exit.

Are you using Norton Protected Storage?

Are you using any utilities e.g. Norton Ghost to back up or image files
on your drive?

Do you use the Hibernation feature? How large is hiberfil.sys. This is a
hidden file like the contents of the System Volume Information folder.
It needs to go into your reconcilation.

Another default setting which could be wasteful is that for temporary
internet files, especially if you do not store offline copies on disk.
The default allocation is 3% of drive. Depending on your attitude to
offline copies you could reduce this to 1% or 2%. In Internet Explorer
select Tools, Internet Options, General, Temporary Internet Files,
Settings to make the change. At the same time look at the number of days
history is held.

The default allocation for the Recycle Bin is 10 % of drive. Change to
5%, which should be sufficient. In Windows Explorer place the cursor
on your Recycle Bin, right click and select Properties, Global and
move the slider from 10% to 5%. However, try to avoid letting it get
too full as if it is full and you delete a file by mistake it will
bypass the Recycle Bin and be gone for ever.

Select Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk CleanUp to
Empty your Recycle Bin and Remove Temporary Internet Files. Also
select Start, All Programs, accessories, System Tools, Disk CleanUp,
More Options, System Restore and remove all but the latest System
Restore point. Run Disk Defragmenter.

You will have a Local Settings folder for each User Profile. As others
have said you will have a Temporary Internet Folder as well as the
others mentioned. You can use Disk CleanUp to remove unwanted files.
This should be part of your routine housekeeping procedures.

If your drive is formatted as NTFS another potential gain arises with
your operating system on your C drive. In the Windows Directory of
your C partition you will have some Uninstall folders in your Windows
folder typically: $NtServicePackUninstall$ and $NtUninstallKB282010$
etc. These files may be compressed or not compressed. If compressed
the text of the folder name appears in blue characters. If not
compressed you can compress them. Right click on each folder and
select Properties, General, Advanced and check the box before Compress
contents to save Disk Space. On the General Tab you can see the amount
gained by deducting the size on disk from the size. Folder
compression is only an option on a NTFS formatted drive / partition.

--



Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Jeff Ingman wrote:
> I just had a further thought.
>
> When I run Add/Remove programs I see a TON of MS updates. They may or
> may not be a contributor to my space problem.
>
> Would it be smart to remove all the MS "fixes"... and (if this gives
> me enough space) defrag and run Windows Update to restore the
> critical updates?
> jeff
>
> "Jeff Ingman" <jeff@ingmancompany.com> wrote in message
> news:OZadnZnkCardmbfVnZ2dnUVZ_u-dnZ2d@scnresearch.com...
>> I have a 3 year old Dell computer running WinXP pro.... fully
>> updated.... with a 190 gig hard drive that is almost completely full.
>>
>> Using Add/Remove Programs I've removed all software I'm not using.
>> I've run the WinXP Disk Cleanup utility. But these steps have not
>> solved the glut.
>>
>> I can't figure out what's the remaining space hog. According to
>> Windows Explorer my Progams folder contains 148 gigs. I haven't
>> figured out how to determine which specific folder/program is the
>> disk space hog. I suspect one of the program files has somehow grown
>> way to fat. Any
>> tips on how I can locate the culprit and get back some space?
>>
>> jeff