Excessive size of my Windows file

[Steve]

I have the impression that my current Windows file (now 4 GB) is overloaded
with files that do not belong there, and perhaps could be deleted.
Is there a way to check that without having to format my C-disc and
re-install XP? (I have installed all of the currently available XP updates)
I have also noticed that there are a number of entries in XP, which
apparently where put there as a result of installing certain other programs
such as Symantec, Office and Nero, but these alone can not be responsible
for the 4GB size.
Temporary internet files have already been deleted.
Thanks for your advice
Steve

 

[Pennywise]

I have the impression that my current Windows file (now 4 GB) is overloaded
with files that do not belong there, and perhaps could be deleted.
Is there a way to check that without having to format my C-disc and
re-install XP? (I have installed all of the currently available XP updates)
I have also noticed that there are a number of entries in XP, which
apparently where put there as a result of installing certain other programs
such as Symantec, Office and Nero, but these alone can not be responsible
for the 4GB size.
Temporary internet files have already been deleted.
Thanks for your advice

You'll get other advice on what you can delete or use (crap cleaner
http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/)

But if you want to see which files or programs are using what space, I
like to use TreeSize http://www.jam-software.com/freeware/index.shtml
for that.

 

[Gerry Cornell]

Steve

4 gb is not particularly large but saying that it does depend on what is
included
in that figure.

I would look at System Restore in the System Volume Information folder.

To investigate how you are using hard disk space you need to make sure that
you can see all files. 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 still will not see the System Volume Information folder.
How to Gain Access to the System Volume Information Folder
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;309531

FileSize -a useful tool for use with Windows Explorer when investigating how
disk space is being used.
http://markd.mvps.org/

The download link is not obvious. Click the here in the two sentences of the
web page accessed through the link above. "I can't count the number of times
someone has asked for this. So here is a module you can install that shows a
Folder Size column in Explorer."

To increase you free space on your C select Start, All Programs,
Accessories, System Tools, Disk CleanUp, More Options, System Restore and
remove all but the latest System Restore points? Restore points can be quite
large.

You should use Disk CleanUp regularly to Empty your Recycle Bin and
Remove Temporary Internet Files. Whenever you remove redundant files you
should always run Disk Defragmenter by selecting Start, All Programs,
Accessories, System Tools, Disk Defragmenter.

It is likely that an allocation of 12% has been made to System Restore 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 the
drive / partition select Settings, 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. You can cancel the allocations on other partitions / drives.

--

Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England

Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[Rock]

I have the impression that my current Windows file (now 4 GB) is overloaded
with files that do not belong there, and perhaps could be deleted.
Is there a way to check that without having to format my C-disc and
re-install XP? (I have installed all of the currently available XP
updates)
I have also noticed that there are a number of entries in XP, which
apparently where put there as a result of installing certain other
programs
such as Symantec, Office and Nero, but these alone can not be responsible
for the 4GB size.
Temporary internet files have already been deleted.

What do you mean by "Windows file"?