Computer Hope

Microsoft => Microsoft Windows => Windows XP => Topic started by: Michael on August 26, 2008, 04:11:33 AM

Title: Finding large file
Post by: Michael on August 26, 2008, 04:11:33 AM

When I get a prompt of the C: running out of disk space, how can I identify the large files on the drive so that I can move them to somewhere else?
Is there any tool to search for files by setting the size limit?

I know the Windows' Search can do it, but unfortunately, the computer that I'm looking into somehow do not have the Search feature, maybe a corrupted Windows.

Thanks.

Title: Re: Finding large file
Post by: Carbon Dudeoxide on August 26, 2008, 04:15:33 AM

At the Desktop, press F3.
A window should pop up.
Leave everything blank except under What Size is it?
Run a scan and, when it's finished, you can order them by biggest to smallest.

Also, I suggest running this CCleaner step here:
http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,62253.msg395334.html#msg395334

Title: Re: Finding large file
Post by: fireballs on August 26, 2008, 04:17:57 AM

You can use the built in search function with size restrictions or you can use this http://www.jam-software.com/freeware/index.shtml (http://www.jam-software.com/freeware/index.shtml)which will show you graphically where you space is being used up.

FB

Title: Re: Finding large file
Post by: Michael on August 26, 2008, 04:19:30 AM

Well, like I said, nothing happens when I press F3 or click the Search button in Explorer.

Yes, I have run the CCleaner, didn't find any large junk.

Title: Re: Finding large file
Post by: Michael on August 26, 2008, 04:20:19 AM

Quote from: fireballs on August 26, 2008, 04:17:57 AM

You can use the built in search function with size restrictions or you can use this http://www.jam-software.com/freeware/index.shtml (http://www.jam-software.com/freeware/index.shtml)which will show you graphically where you space is being used up.

FB

Thanks FB. I'll try that.

Title: Re: Finding large file
Post by: Michael on August 26, 2008, 04:41:34 AM

I think the computer (Windows) must be very "sick" - besides the Search is not available, the Folder Option is also not available.
How can I set "View hidden files and folders" manually i.e. in registry? I forgot the location of the key.

Btw, TreeSize shows more than 1GB of installer files in C:\Windows\Installer. Can I delete them?

Title: Re: Finding large file
Post by: Carbon Dudeoxide on August 26, 2008, 04:44:12 AM

Quote

Btw, TreeSize shows more than 1GB of installer files in C:\Windows\Installer. Can I delete them?

I found this:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;290301

Title: Re: Finding large file
Post by: fireballs on August 26, 2008, 04:45:21 AM

and i found this :P

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

In the right hand area, double click hidden and change the value to 1.

(If unsure don't use regedit, also backup before you change anything)

FB

Title: Re: Finding large file
Post by: Carbon Dudeoxide on August 26, 2008, 04:47:48 AM

Erunt is a good and fast registry backup tool.

Also, apparently the Installer files are what you need to uninstall programs.  ???

Title: Re: Finding large file
Post by: Michael on August 26, 2008, 05:15:16 AM

When I try to run Regedit, it says it is disabled by the Administrator.
How can I enable it?

Title: Re: Finding large file
Post by: Carbon Dudeoxide on August 26, 2008, 05:16:44 AM

Is this not your computer?

What version of Windows?

Title: Re: Finding large file
Post by: Michael on August 26, 2008, 05:27:20 AM

It's one of the older computers in my office the clerk is using.
It's Win XP SP2.

Title: Re: Finding large file
Post by: Carbon Dudeoxide on August 26, 2008, 05:36:42 AM

I'm not really supposed to disclose information in a public forum where this information can be used for bad so....

Google.

Title: Re: Finding large file
Post by: Dias de verano on August 26, 2008, 06:59:28 AM

Oh wow, Dudeoxide, like the bad guys won't know what to do with that link... smart move!

Title: Re: Finding large file
Post by: Carbon Dudeoxide on August 26, 2008, 07:01:25 AM

What Link?  ::)

Title: Re: Finding large file
Post by: fireballs on August 26, 2008, 07:20:15 AM

Quote from: Carbon Dudeoxide on August 26, 2008, 05:36:42 AM

"Google."

 ;D absolutely love it!!

FB