Jump to content

Welcome to Geeks to Go - Register now for FREE

Need help with your computer or device? Want to learn new tech skills? You're in the right place!
Geeks to Go is a friendly community of tech experts who can solve any problem you have. Just create a free account and post your question. Our volunteers will reply quickly and guide you through the steps. Don't let tech troubles stop you. Join Geeks to Go now and get the support you need!

How it Works Create Account
Photo

My hard drive storage space is almost gone and I have no idea why!

windows laptop c drive storage space hard drive windows laptop

  • Please log in to reply

#1
phoebe_s78

phoebe_s78

    Member

  • Member
  • PipPip
  • 50 posts

So I normally check up on my laptop's C drive, just to see how much space I have. I have 674 available GB and the last time I checked (maybe about a month ago, give or take?) I had about half, maybe 1/3 space left. I think I used a little over 400 something GB. 

 

I checked again today and suddenly I only had 42 GB left!! I have NO idea how that happened. I haven't had any virus problems, I haven't added any new content, and my laptop has been normal. There is no reason why I should have only 42 GB left!

 

I'm absolutely flabbergasted, can anyone help me figure out why all of my storage space is full and how I can make it go back to normal?? 

 

I'd really appreciate it, thanks!! 


Edited by phoebe_s78, 09 May 2015 - 04:58 PM.

  • 0

Advertisements


#2
jds63

jds63

    Member 1K

  • Member
  • PipPipPipPip
  • 1,100 posts

phoebe_s78,

 

I would try this free program as it can analyze your files and folders show you exactly where your space has gone to. Show you size of each file and folder on the HDD.

http://www.jam-softw.../treesize_free/

 

If this does not help i would advice you post in malware section of this forum to rule out any possible infections, can still be a chance even if you do not feel there is one.


  • 0

#3
phoebe_s78

phoebe_s78

    Member

  • Topic Starter
  • Member
  • PipPip
  • 50 posts

Alright, so I ran the program and it said that 72% of the storage space was being used under a file called "system volume information." 

 

There's 70 files and it's taking up 463.2 GB. Some of the files hold as little as 677.2 MB all the way up to over 10 GB (and again- there are 70 of them).  

 

The thing is, is that the treesize program shows that the "system volume information" file is under the C drive, but when I check under the C drive manually, it's not there. Also, most of the dates have been last changed from January to May 2015 (a few of them have 2011-2014 dates, but most of them are from 2015). I HAVE done virus scans in the past, but none have ever picked up anything from the C drive. 

 

Also, almost all of the 70 files are in code. They don't specify what they do or what they're for (here's the name for one of the many files: {e8781e18-d671-11e4-b177-7ce9d3f90fa5}{3808876b-c176-4e48-b7ae-04046e6cc752}).

 

Do you think this is a virus? I don't know what else could have caused this... Like I said, all of this just came out of no where.

 

Should I take this over to the malware forum? 

 

Thank you for the program!


  • 0

#4
jds63

jds63

    Member 1K

  • Member
  • PipPipPipPip
  • 1,100 posts

System Volume information can not be accessed, this folder is used to keep Restore Points. Chances have restore points build up on drive have not either removed any or set more then 10%.

 

Look here but believe in Windows XP can also do a disk cleanup find Volume shadow copy and delete all, right click drive in My computer or Computer select properties then disk cleanup

 

https://support.micr...en-us/kb/555367

 

If this is it, go back to system restore set to a lower percentage. Always make sure to use a cleaner to clean temp files and browser history or run Disk Cleanup periodically.

 

https://www.microsof...s.mspx?mfr=true

 

Let's not jump to infection as of yet, try this. Nice program TreeSize, let you find what was taking space.


Edited by jds63, 09 May 2015 - 07:53 PM.

  • 0

#5
jds63

jds63

    Member 1K

  • Member
  • PipPipPipPip
  • 1,100 posts

Can gain access to folder, but not recommended, as said holds  files for system restore and it's function not way to delete restore points, way i showed you first. Only for more technical people for troubleshooting to access.

As does not show for reasons stated here for protection of folder.  https://support.micr...en-us/kb/309531


  • 0

#6
phoebe_s78

phoebe_s78

    Member

  • Topic Starter
  • Member
  • PipPip
  • 50 posts

I cleaned up the system restore points (I used the link you showed me) and it worked!! THANK YOU. 

 

Every time I come here you guys always solve my problems lol. I always have the urge to start freaking out and I just want to delete everything, but I always tell myself to chill because you guys actually know what to do. 

 

Thanks again!! 


  • 0

#7
jds63

jds63

    Member 1K

  • Member
  • PipPipPipPip
  • 1,100 posts

I cleaned up the system restore points (I used the link you showed me) and it worked!! THANK YOU. 

 

Every time I come here you guys always solve my problems lol. I always have the urge to start freaking out and I just want to delete everything, but I always tell myself to chill because you guys actually know what to do. 

 

Thanks again!! 

Really glad to have helped you too, glad it is resolved, your most welcome  !! Never panic ! Plus think of it as you learned something. Again check the settings in system restore make sure not set by high %. Always good to make restore points, believe older operating systems do them automatic as i have Windows 8.1.


  • 0

#8
123Runner

123Runner

    Member 4k

  • Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 4,526 posts

As previously requested can you check to see what the percentage is that is being used for the restore points. Generally not more than 10%.


  • 0

#9
phoebe_s78

phoebe_s78

    Member

  • Topic Starter
  • Member
  • PipPip
  • 50 posts

I checked just now, and it was at a full 100%. I put it down to 7%.

 

Thanks for reminding me, that should fix the problem. 


  • 0

#10
jds63

jds63

    Member 1K

  • Member
  • PipPipPipPip
  • 1,100 posts

System Volume information can not be accessed, this folder is used to keep Restore Points. Chances have restore points build up on drive have not either removed any or set more then 10%.

 

Look here but believe in Windows XP can also do a disk cleanup find Volume shadow copy and delete all, right click drive in My computer or Computer select properties then disk cleanup

 

https://support.micr...en-us/kb/555367

 

If this is it, go back to system restore set to a lower percentage. Always make sure to use a cleaner to clean temp files and browser history or run Disk Cleanup periodically.

 

https://www.microsof...s.mspx?mfr=true

 

Let's not jump to infection as of yet, try this. Nice program TreeSize, let you find what was taking space.

said that here too, 10% the normal setting.100 % no wonder why !!

 

 

I checked just now, and it was at a full 100%. I put it down to 7%.

 

Thanks for reminding me, that should fix the problem. 


Edited by jds63, 10 May 2015 - 07:44 PM.

  • 0

#11
phoebe_s78

phoebe_s78

    Member

  • Topic Starter
  • Member
  • PipPip
  • 50 posts

I know, I was surprised! 

 

Thank you both for the help!  :D


  • 0

#12
jds63

jds63

    Member 1K

  • Member
  • PipPipPipPip
  • 1,100 posts

Your Welcome again !! Happy computing.


  • 0






Similar Topics


Also tagged with one or more of these keywords: windows, laptop, c drive, storage space, hard drive, windows laptop

0 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users

As Featured On:

Microsoft Yahoo BBC MSN PC Magazine Washington Post HP