Don't know which is giving the correct free space?

[Paul]

Hi,

I have installed Windows XP Pro on my computer. I tried checking the
amount of free space by right clicking, and then Properties on the C:
logo in Explorer. It says that I am using 4 Gb of hard disk space.
Then I try selecting all the folders in C: and right-clicking and then
Properties. This gives me 1.5 Gb worth of data.

Is this disparity common? How could I be sure which one is the right
number?

Another thing, does anyone know the recommended size of free space
that Windows XP should have to function 'normally'?

Thanks,
Paul

 

[Rich Barry]

Paul, you should have at least 600MB free just for your Page (Swap) File
and if you enabled System Restore then much
more is needed. If Prop said you are using 4G of space I would trust that
value.

 

[Alex Nichol]

I have installed Windows XP Pro on my computer. I tried checking the
amount of free space by right clicking, and then Properties on the C:
logo in Explorer. It says that I am using 4 Gb of hard disk space.
Then I try selecting all the folders in C: and right-clicking and then
Properties. This gives me 1.5 Gb worth of data.

Have Folder Options - View set to show Hidden files, and *not* Hide
Protected mode ones. That will reveal a lot more files and folders
(including the System Volume information one containing restore points,
and most of the files in System32)

 

[Bee]

.....<snip>... does anyone know the recommended size of free space
that Windows XP should have to function 'normally'?

I read somewhere -- the reference is now forgotten -- that at least 1.5GB
free space should be allowed for proper functioning of the OS. If you use
hibernation, you should also look in the Hibernation tab (Control Panel >
Power Options) to gauge how much space your machine requires to backup the
system during its siesta.