Loosing Disk Space on System Update

[Bardock]

I have been experiencing hard drive issues with my HP, for example, I will have 2.00 GB, restart, and have 1.00 Kb. It makes no sense, I have no idea where it goes, its like it disappears. Now, I am not an expert on PC's, so I probably can't give you details on my model number or whatever. I just need a solution ASAP. Could somebody please help me.

{Quickreview: When I restart my PC I loose my Gigabytes}
I can't keep up with my everyday PC tasks with no disk space, and I currently cannot afford a hard drive.

 

[GokAy]

Hey, which Antivirus are you using?

How is your System Restore usage is set? Pagefile settings?

 

[Bardock]

Symantec Antivirus
I disabled it for now until i solve it

 

[GokAy]

Why did you disable it? I asked because there is a known problem with Avast AV. Enable your AV unless you had your own reason to do it.

 

[whs]

I would suspect the shadowstorage ( restore points) to grow. You can check with this command:

vssadmin list shadowstorage

It will tell you how much shadowstorage was Allocated.

 

[Bardock]

Where does one do that enter the command at? and whats an AV?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

AV means "anti-virus". What anti-virus application do you use, if any? If you use Symantec, as far as I know it does not cause problems.

Do you know how to open a command prompt?

 

[Bardock]

No clue about a CP. And I looked through my Symantec and found 3 980 mb files.

 

[whs]

For command prompt go to Start > All Programs > Accessories > Right click on Command Prompt > Run as Admin. Then type or paste the vssadmin list shadowstorage into the command prompt window and hit Enter.

 

[Bardock]

Yeah okay. I did it. whats it supposed to say?
It says
Used Shadow Copy Storage 0%
Allowcated Shadow Copy Storage 0%
Maximum Shadow Copy Storage 4.5 GB

 

[DavidE]

2 GB free on a Win OS 180 GB disk is not enough free space.
Many suggest 10% free space as the minimum.
Your specs show 180 GB memory, i assume that means your HD/SSD size.

You have a laptop, 180 GB HD/SSD, and can't afford a hard drive.
I assume you have everything on the 180 GB HD, including User data (pics, docs, videos, etc.)
You need to make some choices of what you can remove from the drive. Try WizTree to see where your space is being used. There is a portable zip available, no install needed. [url=http://antibody-software.com/web/software/software/wiztree-finds-the-files-and-folders-using-the-most-disk-space-on-your-hard-drive/]Antibody Software - WizTree finds the files and folders using the most disk space on your hard drive[/url] You can post a screen print of the Wiztree window if you have questions, or need advice on what to remove. [URL]http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-screenshots-files-upload-post-seven-forums.html[/URL] Here is a tutorial by Brink that might help: [URL]http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/129976-hard-disk-space-free-up-recover.html[/URL]

 

[GokAy]

Start Menu - in search box write: disk cleanup
Select a drive and click OK. It will analyze what can be cleaned (takes a while)
Tick all the boxes to delete, report how much space you will gain. Keep that window open.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Yeah okay. I did it. whats it supposed to say?
It says
Used Shadow Copy Storage 0%
Allowcated Shadow Copy Storage 0%
Maximum Shadow Copy Storage 4.5 GB

That means you have no System Restore points and that your anti-virus is NOT causing any space issues.

 

[Bardock]

I just restarted it. I lost 2 GB, where does it go.
I had 6.4 GB from using that program, i deleted unnecessary files.
I restart. 4 GB

 

[RolandJS]

Very often the default setting for many programs' reports/logs-generating reports is: no limits.
This no limits can be found in many security, monitoring, reporting programs.
For example: my Avast AV, my Avira AV, my Comodo firewall, and other things had to be reset from no limits regarding logging/reporting to much saner limits.

 

[Layback Bear]

Okay take a deep breath.

worrying about 2gb variation will drive you crazy. Many things can be going on that will cause that variation. It's no big deal.

 

[Bardock]

But what do i do to stop it, i mean im down to 2 gig from 6

 

[GokAy]

How large is your pagefile.sys? Maybe you have a memory leaking app and system managed pagefile?

Computer - right click - properties - Advanced System Settings - performance settings - advanced - virtual memory - change
see how much is C:?

If you can be sure, then Open folder options (Windows Explorer) - View - check show hidden files and uncheck hide protected operating system files. Now, go to C:\ and note pagefile.sys size.

 

[Bardock]

2.88 Gig, is that bad?

 

[GokAy]

Nah, it is alright.