Space on Hard Disk

[Guest]

I am a very new user to start with so bear with me. Here is my situation.
When I am viewing C: drives properties it says that I have used 32 GB of
space, but then when I explore C: drive and add up the folders that are in
it, the amount only reaches 28 GB. So there appears to be a difference
between my count and what it says. Why is there that difference? And where
are those other files that are taking up the invisible 4 GB of space. This is
kinda a big issue considering my hard drive is only 40 GB big and C: drives
capacity is around 34 GB. Thanks for any help!

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I am a very new user to start with so bear with me. Here is my
situation. When I am viewing C: drives properties it says that I have
used 32 GB of space, but then when I explore C: drive and add up the
folders that are in it, the amount only reaches 28 GB. So there
appears to be a difference between my count and what it says. Why is
there that difference? And where are those other files that are
taking up the invisible 4 GB of space.

They are probably hidden files and folders, for example, the page file, the
hibernation file, etc.

To see these, in My Computer, go to Tools, Folder Options and, on the View
t.ab, check "Show hidden files and folders" and uncheck "Hide protected
operating system files." Click "Apply to All Folders," then OK.

 

[John John]

Along with what Ken said, keep in mind that what drive manufacturers
label as 40 GB drives are labeled as less by Windows. Drive
manufacturers use their own math to determine drive size, they use 1,000
bytes = 1 kb whereas the correct value is 1,024 bytes = 1kb. Therefore,
a 40 GB drive is more like 37.25GB

Also, slack space will account for some lost space as will the Master
File Table. The file system used has a great impact on slack space.

John

 

[Guest]

Thanks, that helped me find see those files that made up the remaining space.
I have more questions and will start a new thread for those.

Thanks again

 

[Guest]

I never knew that, but it makes sense. Thanks for the help. I do have more
questions but I will start a new thread for those.
Thanks again

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Thanks, that helped me find see those files that made up the
remaining space. I have more questions and will start a new thread
for those.

Thanks again

You're welcome. Glad to help.