My computer has 18.9GB total space,I'm using 12.5GB?

Question

Total space says 18.9GB, used up 12.5GB, so why does it say only 310mb left? Don't I have 6GB left?

This computer is about 6 to 7 yrs old, I'm using Windows XP professional.

What do you mean "partitioned"?
QUOTE
Could be something wrong with the swap or paging file, I guess you could try turning off virtual memory if its an older system and seeing if that helps, most likey the best thing (and probably the only) fix is a reformat
Could you explain this in detail, what's a reformat? How do I turn off virtual memory?
What is the swap or paging file?
I'm still learning about computers.

I'm wondering if the problem could be that it's got lots of dust and maybe needs cleaning?
Could I do this myself? How difficult would this be?

Answer 1

Geez dude, get at least a 60gig hhd, they don't cost all that much ya cheapskate

Answer 2

Could be something wrong with the swap or paging file, I guess you could try turning off virtual memory if its an older system and seeing if that helps, most likey the best thing (and probably the only) fix is a reformat.

Partitioned basically means that the computer will "divide" the hard drive into different "logical (meaning only in computer logic") parts according to the type of file system (for now think of a file system somewhat as the type of operating system you use, Windows XP typically uses NTFS).

EDIT...

A paging or swap file, is basically a temporary memory space on your hard drive, used in case you run out of "real" memory (RAM), the size of the paging file is within windows itself, so by reformatting the computer, you would erase and start from scratch.

EDIT....
If you didn't screw around with the virtural memory manually, and belive me you would know if you did, nevermind about it, just follow the instructions below.

A reformat is where you will TOTALLY erase everything on your computers hard drive, then reinstall everything.

Reformatting the computer
1) Back UP EVERYTHING ON YOUR COMPUTER THAT YOU WANT, THIS WILL TOTALLY DESTROY ALL DATA ON YOUR COMPUTER!!!!!!
2)Get your windows XP disk, or manufacture disk that came with the computer (if you have a name brand system, dell, HP, ect).
3)If windows xp disk...put in the disk, restart the computer, and follow the on screen options for reinstalling windows (with formatting the drive)
4)If manufacture supplied disk, go to the manufactures website, and download instructions or call them, as I cannot walk you through the procedure.
5)Grab all your old software and resinstall EVERYTHING.

EDIT...NO this is not a problem caused by dust or dirt, cleaning the system wont solve the problem

Answer 3

What Windows version are you running? I know some older ones had trouble reading the full drives. Are your drives partitioned? We can't help you without more information.

Also, you might want to run a virus scan.

Answer 4

1. System Cache
2. System Restore
3. Or maybe you have reserved space for a specific program..

Answer 5

Virus maybe?!