I have a laptop running VISTA Ultimate with an 80 GB hard-drive. Something unseen to me is consuming my hard drive. Here's my steps in figuring out what is happening. I have not resolved the issue yet, but will keep updating this post until it is resolved.
- I had already deleted all of my Temporary Internet Files using the IE Browser.
- After digging through the folders via Windows Explorer, I discovered that C:\Users\<my name>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows folder was 25GB. Yet when I look inside the folder, none of the subfolders is large. (I am showing all hidden files and folders).
- I then ran Windows Explorer as an Administrator. (Navigated to C:\Windows\Explorer.exe). I can now see a Temporary Internet Files folder under the C:\Users\<my name>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows folder. This is nearly 25GB. (using right click- properties to check it). However, the files and folders do not come close to 25GB.
- I checked the Previous Versions tab for the Temporary Internet Files. There is one file and it is 23 GB! I now know the file, but I do not know of any way to delete it.
- I deleted all of my System Restore points except the most recent. (Control Panel - System and Maintenance - System - System Protection). That only decreased the use by less than 1 GB. I turned off Restore Points and rebooted. I still do not have my space back; so I turned automatic restore points back on.
- Next steps: Time to tweet and see if I can get a solution.
posted @ Sunday, May 10, 2009 3:55 PM