Member Avatar for zraze

I've been editing large WAV files for a cd I'm remixing. Everytime I save the .wav file after making an adjustment, I lose hard space on my drive. If the .wav file is 85 megs, you would think that 85 megs would just stay after you save over the edited wav file.

Not so. Everytime I save, I lose another 85 megs, but I'm not creating a new file. I've gone from 10 gigs free space since starting this process to 787 mb free space available. I'm not doing file -> save as to a new directory everytime I save, I'm rewriting existing files. How could this be happening?

also, I tried defragging, but since I don't have 15% memory available, I can't complete the process.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Catweazle

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This is a common gotcha when working with very large WAVs: many audio editors avoid overwriting the original file directly and instead write full-size scratch/backups or temp files while you save. Good troubleshooting from (search for large files) and (show hidden files) led to the key result reported by — deleting the editor temp files reclaimed the space. The useful follow-ups below explain why it happens and how to prevent it.

How it happens and where to look: editors commonly create a new temporary file, then rename it over the original when the save completes. If the temp files are not cleaned up (crash, cancelled saves, or program policy), they accumulate. On Windows XP-era systems these temps typically live under the user temp folder or the system temp: %TEMP% / %TMP% (expandable to C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Local Settings\Temp) or C:\Windows\Temp. Close the audio program before removing files; then open %temp% (Start -> Run -> %temp%) and remove files dated around the editing session, and empty the Recycle Bin to actually recover space.

Preventive steps and workflow tips:

  • Inspect Nero WaveEditor preferences for any "backup", "temp", or "scratch disk" setting and point it to a drive with lots of free space if available.
  • Consider setting the system TEMP/TMP environment variables to a large non-system drive (System Properties -> Advanced -> Environment Variables).
  • Work on copies placed on a separate data/scratch drive rather than the system drive; this keeps the OS drive from filling and makes cleanup safer.
  • After reclaiming space, run Disk Cleanup and then defragment once there is roughly 15% free space.

Cautions: do not delete temp files while the editor is running (files in use may be locked), and when unsure, reboot before cleaning. Regularly monitoring large files with a disk-usage tool or periodic temp cleanup prevents this from recurring.

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Member Avatar for Catweazle

Okay. What editing prograsm are you using? I'm betting that its settings are configured to not overwrite files, and possibly to incrementally add a number to the filename. Another possibility is that is storing backup copies.

Click Start -> Search. Choose files and folders.
Onstead of entering a filename, click on the arrow beside 'What size is it'and tick 'specify size.

Set it to be 'at least' and '84,000Kb'.

That'll find every file 84Mb and more on your drive. Check through the files and determine where all those copies are going.

I'll bet it's yopur editing program. We'd like to know what it is, because the answer to your problem will almost certainly be in the program settings.

Member Avatar for zraze

I'm using Nero Wave editor

I've searched for the file sizes, and they do not come up

Could this be temporary files the program is creating?

If so how can I delete them?

thanks

Member Avatar for Catweazle

I'd strongly suspect Nero stuff creates temp files. Search for the filesize, as I suggested above.

Member Avatar for kc0arf

Hello,

You might also try viewing with the hidden files revealed. Do not do this lightly though.

Christian

Member Avatar for zraze

I found the temp folder, deleted all the files, and got my HD space back. Thanks for the tips

Member Avatar for nanosani

Now I can mark this thread as solved ?

Member Avatar for Catweazle

Not until we work out how to stop it happening again is my suggestion. Deleting the files is only a temporary fix. I'll post suggestions in a day or so, but I've a wedding to attend to firt :)

Member Avatar for alc6379

I'll post suggestions in a day or so, but I've a wedding to attend to firt :)

Who's Firt getting married to! Wish them the best!

;)

Member Avatar for Catweazle

LOL!

My son's wedding :)

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