Computer reporting more data on C drive than actual

[TheColdOne]

I woke up this morning to see my hard drive free space had mysteriously dropped just over 60GB, all I did last night was download Bioshock 2 and run a scan on my computer with Norton!

I checked all of the files in "Program Files (x86)", "Documents", "Downloads", everything! As far as I can tell, even with the system files, I should still have at LEAST almost 150GB free (again, after counting the data of the files myself), but there's only ~40-50.

Is there any reason why the number would jump like that? Is there any possible way it could be a false representation? Are there any sure-fire ways to check where the data jump happened (file location)?

 

[derekimo]

I'm not sure why you got the jump or drop in space on your drive but this little app will show you what is on your drive,
SpaceSniffer - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com

 

[Dinesh]

It could be the system restore copies.

 

[TheColdOne]

I'm going to try that program and see what it tells me.

(Edited original post: should have 150GB free, but only says 40-50)

 

[TheColdOne]

It says I have used 284.5 GB total on the C drive, but I only have 104.8 free listed (out of a total of 454GB), it just doesn't add up! Where is my extra 50+ GB?

 

[macgyver2]

you say you downloaded Bioshock 2 did you get it from a legit source? if not you might have downloaded more then your bargained for. Now I know I am pushing limits of allowed topics but from the OP post I would think the download is the cause if the issue.

 

[whs]

Check your shadowstorge with vssadmin list shadowstorage in elevated cmd. The allocated is what matters.

 

[TheColdOne]

It says the shadow copy storage is 65.336 GB. What is that?

And macgyver2, when I say downloaded I mean through Steam.

 

[whs]

Well, you have too much shadowstorage set, 20 to 25GBs would be ample. Go to Start > right click on Computer in the right pane > Properties > go up in the left pane to " System Protection" > Configure. Here you can set the slider to whatever size you like.
Note that with this manipulation you will loose your current restore points. But you will get new ones soon. If you Google "shadowstorage", you will find a lot of info.

 

[TheColdOne]

Awesome. It was at the default 15%, so I set it down to 5% (right about 22.5GB). Now I have over 150GB free space. Thanks.

 

[whs]

You are welcome. Shadowstorage seems to be one of the favorite mysteries. But be advised that the system will take the allocated 22.5GBs over time (probably in a matter of about 2 weeks).

 

[macgyver2]

Glad you found the issue, didn't mean to sound like you were download bad things just we have had a few people download and then have issues and since I didn't know about steam I had to ask.

I also use steam for Unreal Tournament and it keeps popping up messages on me.