[jek1862]

I have a 120gb hard drive, but when I check the computer space usage pie chart it says ....of 106. Where did that 14gb of hard drive space go? Is this normal? Why doesn't it say 120, if I have a 120gb hard drive in my machine? This is probably an easy question to answer.

[Advertisements]

Some computer manufacturers put a hidden partition on the C drive (this is especially true of laptops) on which the factory recovery data is installed. That partition doesn't have a drive letter so it's not visible.

The total size of the C drive is what's left when you subtract the hidden partition. The size of the hidden partition could easily be 14GB for Windows Vista as it will include all the factory-installed applications as well (for example, Microsoft Works, Trial of Microsoft Office, DVD-Player software, etc. etc.

[phillipcorcoran]

Some computer manufacturers put a hidden partition on the C drive (this is especially true of laptops) on which the factory recovery data is installed. That partition doesn't have a drive letter so it's not visible.

The total size of the C drive is what's left when you subtract the hidden partition. The size of the hidden partition could easily be 14GB for Windows Vista as it will include all the factory-installed applications as well (for example, Microsoft Works, Trial of Microsoft Office, DVD-Player software, etc. etc.

[rshaffer61]

Actually that does not seem to be the issue.
When you get a hard drive the manufacturers way of stating the total capacity is different then what you believe it to be.
Take a look at this article HERE and maybe it will make more sense for you.
Also take a look at Wikipedia explanation HERE


I hope this explains it better for you.