Low Disk Space

monster · #1 08-16-2003, 05:40 PM

I keep getting the message that I am low on disk space. I have deleted many files but it still thinks it's full.

I ran defrag.

I have a 13g drive partitioned into C,D,E & F.

How can I make it think all is OK

ESALADUANE · #2 08-16-2003, 05:49 PM

see here:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=285107

monster · #3 08-17-2003, 11:08 PM

Esaladuane,

I checked there but it only deals with turning off the notification. Is that OK? It doesn't seem like it is fixing the problem...simply like unplugging the "idiot light" on the car while it is still overheating.

Does the computer REALLY think there is no memory or is it just a false reading?

ESALADUANE · #4 08-18-2003, 07:34 AM

As you pointed out, the article assumes that you've checked your system and corrected any "low disk space" issues, but are continuing to get the error message (which is not correct). Other than rebooting (like reinitializing a system to reset its sensors) I don't think Microsoft has a "one answer fits all" solution to the message not going away, so that's why they recommend just turning it off (treating it like a faulty sensor).

The "low disk space" notification should be treated as one of your "at a glance" indicators about your systems health. As far as I know, it's usually right. If there's no logical reason why you should be low on disk space do a virus scan (there are virus'/worms that by replicating themselves can bloat a file.

One reasonable guess is that using relatively small volume sizes (4 partitions of a 13 GB drive) is "triggering the sensor".

monster · #5 08-18-2003, 05:25 PM

Thanks, I'll turn that indicator off.

I may also look at "Partition Magic" or some other such program to see if I can re-size the partions and make my C:, which has all the Windows and Windows-related items on it.

Monster
Be the kind of person you cat WANTS you to be.

curtybob · #6 08-19-2003, 02:52 PM

I'd like to add that a 13 Gig HDD is rather tiny. I like having at least that amount just on the C: drive. HDD's are still in the reasonably priced range, but they won't be for much longer. Look online and at the shops in town to see if you can find one that you can spare the money for. Having more space can never hurt.

monster · #7 08-19-2003, 11:03 PM

Why will HDD's not be cheap for long?

curtybob · #8 08-20-2003, 05:45 PM

stock market comes up=>sales of PCs goes up=>manufacturers take advantage of opprotunity to make some money after long dry spell.

monster · #9 08-21-2003, 12:00 AM

Uh oh...where's the nearest Beast Buy!

curtybob · #10 08-21-2003, 09:32 AM

If you were being sarcastic, I don't blame you. I probably overemphasized that they wouldn't be cheap for long in the first place. Then I had already said it, and had to explain why I thought that. In all actuality, the cheaper drives, like the 20 gig 5400 rpm 2MB cache drives will probably see no increases. I still think I am right about the increases, but it is more complicated than I made it sound. Sorry.

Still, if you can bear the price, get more space. The good thing about HDD's is that if you buy a new computer down the road, you can migrate your HDD's into the new one. No money wasted.

monster · #11 08-21-2003, 01:47 PM

No sarchasm intended. I was just joking. Trouble w/email is one can't show much emotion or inflection other than SHOUTING IN UPPER CASE!

lnclncntntl · #12 08-21-2003, 08:12 PM

if you use norton systemworks and have a "norton protected files bin" on your desktop, you may want to check that out - files that you think you delete aren't actually deleted until you right-click that bin and purge the "protected" files.

monster · #13 08-21-2003, 10:14 PM

That's one I haven't heard. Thanks!