Odd free space inconsistency between drives

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  1. Posts : 43
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64
       #1

    Odd free space inconsistency between drives


    I've just noticed this so I thought I'd ask, I just completed a backup of my files I do monthly, I have a 2TB external HDD which holds backup copies from an internal 2TB, so they are both the same max size.

    I highlighted and checked the size and size on disc of the files I backed up, they came back as exactly the same on both drives as you might expect, but in My Computer it says my internal 2TB has 161gb free, and my 2TB external has 147gb free, but they both have the same files, where is this 14 gigs of space on the external?

    I have hidden files set to show, there's none. So I'm a little confused.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 4,566
    Windows 10 Pro
       #2

    How was the backup done?

    Backup and restore in windows or another 3rd part program? Or did you just drag and drop your files over?
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 43
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Just by copying them over, no programs involved. The files say they're the same size so I'm not concerned for my files, just weirded out by the remaining free space difference...
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 4,566
    Windows 10 Pro
       #4

    Is the internal formatted as ntfs and the external fat32?

    You could try formatting the external drive and recopying the data back over.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 17,322
    Win 10 Pro x64
       #5

    Just a random thought, is system protection enabled on the external?
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 43
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64
    Thread Starter
       #6

    It's NTFS, I don't think it's system protected.. how do I check?

    I did a chkdsk out of curiousity, just to read the discs. it says my external has some 2000 odd files more than the drive I was backing up.

    I had some small issues getting my drive running because the USB cable was faulty, I used a different one and it was fine, but when I was trying to get it working with the faulty cable it kept disconnecting, and it disconnected while I was deleting some old files, could that have put them in some kind of limbo I can't get to?
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 4,566
    Windows 10 Pro
       #7

    I doubt it is system protected as it is an external hard drive. If it was it would be listed under system protection in system properties.

    The drive being disconnected like that could cause some weirdness. Like I said, I would format the drive and recopy your data over with a known good cable.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 17,322
    Win 10 Pro x64
       #8

    Xirix said:
    I don't think it's system protected.. how do I check?
    It was just a random thought, if you didn't turn it on, Like andrew, I doubt it is on.

    Here's a tutorial though for reference,

    System Protection - Turn On or Off
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 4,566
    Windows 10 Pro
       #9

    @derekimo

    I actually do have it on and I also use windows backup as well. :) What I meant was I do not think you can turn on system protection for external hard drives. At least, I cannot get it to work.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 17,322
    Win 10 Pro x64
       #10

    Works for me, there is this warning though,
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Odd free space inconsistency between drives-system.jpg  
      My Computer


 
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