Total system restore on WinXP sp2

[Guest]

I recently performed a total system restore with loss of all data and
programs -- in other words, my laptop returned to its original form like
when I bought it from Gateway. All programs were erased, but that is OK. I
ran windows update and installed all "high priority" updates and fixes for my
system all in one day and upgraded to IE7, after installing my new Bellsouth
DSL internet system. Now all runs well with one exception: I cannot
download even a simple game because my system states that I only have 41 MB
available - I can's even run the defrag command because I do not have enough
disk space for it to run. How can this be, when I have erased everything
with the total restore function (not performed from a disk)? Apparently all
of my previous data is lurking on my hard drive somewhere taking up space.
TIA for your input.


Lost, but not totally computer illiterate

 

[thecreator]

Hi HHNurse35,

Did you do a manual cleaning of your \Temp folders, using Explore, then
run Disk Cleanup?

 

[JS]

Might want to check to see if there are two Windows directories, one from
the old install and a new one from your most recent effort.

JS

 

[Guest]

Do you mean cleaning up temporary internet files? I have done that. It
seems that I have all my old files backed up somewhere and need to find them
and delete them.

 

[Guest]

How do I find the two directories to delete the old files?

 

[JS]

One directory should be C:\Windows and the other C:\Windows1
Note: C:\Windows1 would have been created the second time you installed
Windows.
Which one is currently in use I can say but check your boot.ini located in
the C:\ directory (open it using notepad and copy the contents to your next
post).
NOTE: When you exit notepad Do Not save any changes if prompted to do so,
just exit out.

Another verification would be the creation date on the Windows folder and
subfolders, with the most recent install having the most recent date and
time stamp.

Also check which of the event log files have the most recent date and time
stamp, this should tell you which of the two windows directories is use when
you are using your PC.
These files are located here: C:\WINDOWS\system32\config
and they have an .evt file extension

JS

 

[thecreator]

Hi HHNurse35,

No, not your Temporary Internet Files but the files and sub-folders in
your \Temp folders.
One location is C:\Windows\Temp and the other is in your User IDs on
your computer.

C:\Documents and Settings\thecreator\Local Settings\Temp

In order to see the Folder in your User IDs, you need to change your
Folder Options, to allow yourself to view Hidden Files and Folders.