How to free hard disk space occupied by a deleted file?

[emil]

I created a 20 Gig backup file on the second 50 Gig NTSF
hard disk (E) using the Windows XP backup. When I tried to
delete the backup file Windows XP showed a message "file
is too big for the Recycle Bin. Do you want to permanently
delete the file?" I checked "Yes".
Now when I check the Used Space in Properties for that
hard disk, Windows shows 20 Gig more than what I really
have. Looks like it didn't free the hard disk space after
deleting the file.

Is there any way I can free this hard disk space without
formatting the hard drive?

 

[Guest]

I am currently experiencing the same problem, my hard drive says that I have 4 Gigs less space than I should after deleting the back up, I also did a search and nothing came up. I have heard of a "shredding" technique but am not familiar with what it acually entails.

hope someone can help us

-tim

 

[roger]

Hi Tim,

The file might stil be in a Restore point, occupying space.

Go to Start > Run and type cleanmgr.exe
This will bring the clean-up utility, after you accept , choose more
options, and in the bottom half choose 'System restore' this will
erase all your restore points, except the most recent one, so make
sure your computer is working OK before you do this!!


Good luck