Member Avatar for aleli

hi im new here.. can anybody help me on how to save a disk space on my hard disk? because i dont know which program i must to delete to save at least 10% of my disk space.. im using windows vista and my hard drive is 120GB it is nearly to become full,,

any suggestion will be appreciated!!

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Good starting points were already posted by @ICode (Disk Cleanup), (CCleaner) and (archive / move big media). For a nearly-full 120 GB Vista drive the fastest, safest wins come from identifying the actual space hogs and targeting those first rather than guessing.

A visual disk-usage scanner makes that trivial; it maps folders and file types so the largest files stand out (old ISOs, VM disks, backups, big caches). Useful tools: WinDirStat or TreeSize Free.

Several single items commonly free multiple GBs: the hidden hibernation file, old System Restore / shadow copies, and the Windows Update cache. Disabling hibernation (if it is not used) removes C:\hiberfil.sys — the supported command is powercfg.exe /hibernate off (run from an elevated prompt). See Microsoft guidance on disabling/re-enabling hibernation. (Microsoft Learn).

Older restore points and shadow copies can be cleaned in Disk Cleanup’s system-file options or by reducing System Protection allocation; that often reclaims many gigabytes. Microsoft documents the “delete all but the most recent restore point” method. The Windows Update download cache (C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download) can also grow large; a supported approach is to stop the update services, delete the folder contents, then restart the services (Windows recreates the folder as needed). (Microsoft Q&A / Support).

Combine these targeted cleans with ’s Programs & Features “Last used” column when choosing apps to remove, migrate large media/backups to external or cloud storage, and create a full backup or restore point before deleting system items. These focused steps usually reclaim a sizeable chunk of a small drive without risking stability.

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Member Avatar for "ICode"

you can use disk cleanup (an app that comes with windows OS)

There are a number of different file categories that Disk Cleanup targets when performing the initial disk analysis:

-Compression of old files
-Temporary Internet files
-Temporary Windows file
-Downloaded Program files
-Recycle Bin
-Removal of unused applications or optional Windows components
-Setup Log files
-Offline files

more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disk_Cleanup

Member Avatar for SgtMe

Furthermore, Piriform make a variety of free programs for windows.
CCleaner cleans out most un-needed things from your PC, and is generally useful.
Defraggler is a defragmenting program, which can work on entire drives or single files.

http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner
http://www.piriform.com/defraggler

Member Avatar for anirudh33

hey there,

As your question is kind of general, in addition to using disk cleanup you may:
1. Try compressing files.
2. You may delete any of the files you have stored in your system by yourself(like movies,music etc.) or take a backup of these on some dvd or an external drive.
3. Don't delete any of the system files or application program files just uninstall the application programs you don't need or use.

You have more questions i would be happy to answer but give details.

Anirudh

Edited by anirudh33 because: n/a
Member Avatar for CeeB

Hi, I,m also new here and a bit of a computer 'biff'.

I have followed Anirudh's advice, but for point 3. to work I need to identify which application progs I don't need or use. As most of the names mean v.little to me is there a means of establishing when a program was last used?

Cheers CeeB

Member Avatar for Rallici

If you go into your control panel and click on "Add remove programs" or "Programs and features" depending on what type of version you are using. Than it should pull up all of the programs that you currently have installed. Look at the bar that has like "Name" "Publisher" and what not on there you should see a block that says "Last used on" or something similar if not than right click on the bar if it is in the list that appears than select it if not there should be one that says "more.." than a list of all the passable blocks will appear than you can select it from there.

Member Avatar for CeeB

If you go into your control panel and click on "Add remove programs" or "Programs and features" depending on what type of version you are using. Than it should pull up all of the programs that you currently have installed. Look at the bar that has like "Name" "Publisher" and what not on there you should see a block that says "Last used on" or something similar if not than right click on the bar if it is in the list that appears than select it if not there should be one that says "more.." than a list of all the passable blocks will appear than you can select it from there.

Thanks Rallici - spot on!
What I had not figured was the right click on the bar to open up "more"

I now have the 'last used' date and how frequently a prog is used, so am happy to start deleting.
Cheers
CeeB

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