Hard Disk space and hibernation

[Jeff]

Hi everyone: I wasn't sure where else to put this
question. I like to use hibernation on my computer,
rather than turning it off traditionally (it loads up
quicker and I'm the only one who uses it). I noticed
that it uses hard disk space to save the memory before
hibernation. Once I return from hibernation, how do I
get that disk space back? Is there a folder designated
for hibernation memory files? If so, can I delete them
once the computer is back on? I have Windows XP Home
Edition.

 

[Bob Willard]

Hi everyone: I wasn't sure where else to put this
question. I like to use hibernation on my computer,
rather than turning it off traditionally (it loads up
quicker and I'm the only one who uses it). I noticed
that it uses hard disk space to save the memory before
hibernation. Once I return from hibernation, how do I
get that disk space back? Is there a folder designated
for hibernation memory files? If so, can I delete them
once the computer is back on? I have Windows XP Home
Edition.

You don't. When you set power stuff to support hibernation, enough
disk space is permanently allocated to save your RAM.

Since most monitors and printers and scanners are green, and
since HDs don't use much power in idle mode, there is little to
be saved by hibernating, other than to extend battery life on a
laptop. Just let your PC run.

 

[Alex Nichol]

Hi everyone: I wasn't sure where else to put this
question. I like to use hibernation on my computer,
rather than turning it off traditionally (it loads up
quicker and I'm the only one who uses it). I noticed
that it uses hard disk space to save the memory before
hibernation. Once I return from hibernation, how do I
get that disk space back?

It uses a file in C: - hiberfil.sys which is hidden, and is a protected
mode file, so to see it you have to have Folder Options - View set to
show Hidden files, and *not* Hide Protected mode ones

You can only recover that space by turning off hibernation, and will
then need to turn it back on and recreate the file next time you want to
hibernate. So you do not get any space for long term use. If you use
hibernation, I'd leave the file alone (it is just over the same size as
your RAM)