My hard disk partition, the one in which I have installed Windows XP, keeps filling up,how can I stop this?

Question

I have a 10 GB hard disk, and my C drive, which has the OS, (XP), is roughly 2.5 GB. For one reason or another, it keeps getting filled up! One day I see there is 400-600 MB free space, next day it is 200. It keeps fluctuating. Now it is 334 Mb. Earlier this morning it was below 200. Sometimes, I locate the new files(like in my Unzipped Folder.). I dont install much in C drive anymore. I have disabled hibernation too. What can i do?

Answer 1

You can try to statically set your virtual memory.
My Computer Properties. Advanced tab. Performance Settings button. Advanced tab. Virtual Memory Change button. Custom Size radio button. Set both to the same amount (I have mine set to 1536MB) but you can set yours to something smaller. I wouldn't set it below 500MB. Make sure both boxes have the same number in them, That way your disk space wont fluctuate as much.
You also probably have your temporary internet files maximum set too high. Go to your internet options and set your maximum space to something like 5 or 10 MB.

Answer 2

Well my answer should be summary of everything said above.
1. Coming to temporary files. You have to delete them manually. Internet Explorer - Options- Clear cookies, tempfiles, history,etc.
Again some tmp files are created by programs itself. If you have a Software like Norton Systemworks, u can remove these too in a single go. Else right click on C:-propeties-diskcleanup(diskcleanup compresses old files also, so lots of space is saved) - goto more options- in system restore click clean up and click ok. System restore takes around 1-2GB at times. Mostly this should solve the problem if done at regular intervals.
2. Try defragmenting your disk even though that doesnt help much.
3. If even now you have low disk space then you can set your virtual memory. Ensure that your virtual memory is atleast 1.5 times your physical memory else system will slow down. Ex. for 256MB RAM the virtual memory or page size should be 384MB. Also you can shift your virtual pages onto any other drive than the C: drive. Try not to accumulate everything on C: since XP itself needs a lot of space on a 2.5GB HDD.
If you need help on shifting virtual memory pages to another disk pls mail me

Answer 3

10 GB is a bit smaller buddy. XP installed in just 2.5 GB of partion is a big headache to maintain. Try the following steps every week:
>Use DISK CLEANUP under Accessories to free up disk space in drive C. Also check the advanced options and delete all System Restore points except the Recent one.
>Use something like 4DISKCLEAN (freeware) to delete all TEMP files in drive C.
>Defrag as frequently as possible.
>Install something like SPYWARE DOCTOR and scan for Spywares.
>Right click on the RECYCLE BIN and go to Properties. Reduce the amount of Disk space reserved for Recycle Bin in drive C.

Best of Luck.

Answer 4

Hm.......
There can be many problems as metioned above; but, in ur case I will highlight 3 problems.
1) Your computer may be infected with some kind of virus, worms, trojans or spywares. Most likely this may not be the case. But if u feel it, scan ur computer with anti-virus like Norton Antivirus or AVG(Free available).
2) What I feel strongly is that your temp folder in the c drive may be filling up because of installing, uninstalling or just because of the use of some of the softwares that do not clean up there files. In this case, u can clear them up manually or use a 3rd part software like System Mechanic. To do it manually, go to C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\Local Settings\Temp in Windows Explorer. In %username% use ur username. To browse to this location u have to unhide all the hidden files including superhidden system files.
3) One more problem may because u have turned on Dr. Watson in some way....... It makes very large debugging information files(sometimes of 2GB). I will let u know about it soon...........

Answer 5

Some possible things that can be using your hard drive:

System Restore: It uses 13% of hard drive I think you can try disabling it if you really do not want it or lower your system restore. You also have virtual memory which your computer uses Hard drive space as RAM so that is why you might be experiencing the sudden bounce in Hard drive space.

virtual memory is like a wating line for RAM. It constantly writes and erases from the hard drive. You can decrease it but your computer might lag and become sluggish. I do not think you can disable it though.

Answer 6

You might have a self replicating virus if your hard drive keep randomally filling. i'de delete all your temporary files and run virus scans and spyware scans in safemode. you can enter safemode by turning the pc off thena s soon as you turn it on start pressing the F8 key it;'ll give you a list choose jsut plain safe mode and run your scans. otherwise when you download and install things all you can do is make sure you specify to install it to a different drive

Answer 7

A 2.5 GB partition for Win Xp is a bit small. I don't think this is the problem though. Did you scan your computer for viruses?

Answer 8

Try emptying your temp internet files. That might free up some room
From IE - Tools-Internet Options Delete files (select delete all offline content

Answer 9

The drive usage will flucuate, you might want to make that partition larger, or get a larger hard drive.

Answer 10

you need another hard drive they are fairly cheap 10 gig is pretty small to partition