I do not use Nortons but am aware that they have something called Nortons Protected Files. Look under Recycle bin. A normal empty recycle bin command will not delelte the protected files. From memory, you have to use the: Empty protected files option to clear your recycle bin and regain your hard disk space. Hope this helps - it is the only thing I can think of that would prevent your system from showing the correct amount of free hard drive space.
Thanks GrandpaBW, Will keep an eye out for these folders from now on. But theres nothing there at present. Do i delete anything from the other folders like Application ? I run a full pc scan [norton] every Friday and it was clear. I also have just ran smitfraudfix and that was clear too. I do have Ad Adware Se Personal that was given to me but my PC SUPPLIERS. Also deleted the Temp folder, in the Windows folder, on the C: drive. Will check tomorrow. Many thanks for all your help.
Have you deleted the Norton Recycle bin as per ddp and colw? And no, you don't delete anything from the Applications folder.
Hi there, I do not have Norton with a licence, as i explained earlier My Norton which is perfectly legitimate .... came with my ISP - BT Yahoo who provide Norton Security free as a package with my monthly subcription. This would explain why i cannot see the Norton Recycle Bin in my Windows Recyclce Bin nor anywhere in my Norton protection system. I think i only have the partial Norton System as compared to the full one with lic key and Recycle Bin ? Does this mean their still somewhere else where some files and folders are stored and duplicated ? Anyway I have deleted many programs since i last posted, some of my programs have made a difference some havent made a dent on my hard drive.
Many thanks for your help and support anyway,i appreciate it. I am more aware of what is expected and needs to be done for this experience. I have decided to invest on an external hard drive short term, but would like to recover my lost hd on my existing internal disk. So would appreciate any further suggestions and will keep this thread subscribed.
Whats the filesystem of the harddrive in use? To check this go My computer > Click the harddrive in use. It should say at the left of the screen filesystem:
Ahh was hoping it was gonna be Fat32 could have been a source of the problem. But no NTFS is fine. I'l give the problem a think and will get back to you if i can think of anything!
Do you have any knowledge of booting up Gparted live? Im thinking you could have a bad partition? I mean its a long shot but if you want to give it a go.....
I had a similar prob to this before. I was missing over 100gb on my hd and I couldn't find it. This happened after i did a system restore......In the end I solved my problem by downloading a software called "Folder Sizes", this shows you every file and folder on your hd and also the size of it. My 100gb worth of stuff was in a folder that i couldn't open and according to windows xp it contained 0kb........ "Folder Sizes" told me my data was in there, and I was able to boot into safe mode and unlock my folder and free up my space. Download folder sizes and give it ago and have a read of this article also http://www.techspot.com/vb/all/windows/t-19249-How-to-unlock-folders-from-old-hard-drives.html Good luck Sandisk
Hi, success at last, Just thought i would let you all know I have finally managed to get my HARD DRIVE sorted, after a combination of things. Mainly deleting files and removing many big programmes. I now have approx 40 GB of free space and have been defragging with a smile. So many many thanks to all of you (esp GrandpaBLW for his patience)for your input ... i couldnt have done it without all your valuable advice. One final thing how can i now schedule a weekly defrag or disc cleanup, is it possible to coincide it with my weekly virus scan ? Thanks again everyone!!!!!!
Great to hear! Thanks for reportinh back most people just leave it when theyve cracked their problem! Happy computering
If you have mcafee, then I know that there is a little menu type thing that will let you do that. If you dont, then I think they're are a couple of 3rd party programs out there.... Google is your friend!!
Hi guys, It Worked for me. Inside C:\RECYCLER (Set show hidden folders option)was lot of big files, in my case 24GB. P.D:Rename the files that donĀ“t allow you to delete it. Hope this work for you.