How do free up disk space?

[Jack Catalano]

Yes, hello, I am back. I have a question. When I turn on my computer and get to my desktop, it says at the bottom of the screen that I have low disk space on Drive D. So, when I try to free up disk space, the only thing I can free up is the Recycle Bin which has zero bytes. So I click on that and I still have the same problem. How do I free up disk space? I've tried system restore, disk defragmenter etc. and nothing. 

[jason2074]

You must remove literally some media files or documents to another external storage, that is mostly unused ones. Download Treesize or Windirstat to be able to identify what is eating up all your D drive. You can post them here for an image review.

[Jack Catalano]

Now, I've downloaded treesize. How does it work?

[jason2074]

Open Treesize and under scan menu the drive. Post the screenshot only after the scanning is finish.

[rthompson80819]

Typically, if you have less than 15% free space on a drive defrag won't work.  And it sounds like you are very low on free disk space.  You may have run defrag but it may have not worked.  You mentioned temp files so I'm guessing you ran disk clean up.  It sounds like you need to start looking for files you don't need, or if you need them, put them on a flash drive.

[reddevilggg]

I've tried system restore, disk defragmenter etc. and nothing. 

System Restore uses a lot of disk space, so if you already have little disk space then you are making it worse. Have you preformed a Disk Cleanup ??

[patio]

The OP needs to determine if D: is his Recovery partition because if it is A) they are normally close to full anyways and B) nothing from there should be moved or Recover won't work when and if he needs it...

[Jack Catalano]

Open Treesize and under scan menu the drive. Post the screenshot only after the scanning is finish.

How do you post screenshots?

[patio]

Did you read my Post above Jack ? ?

[soybean]

I have low disk space on Drive D.

If D is your recovery partition, as patio mentioned, you should not be using it to store personal files. 

The OP needs to determine if D: is his Recovery partition because if it is A) they are normally close to full anyways and B) nothing from there should be moved or Recover won't work when and if he needs it...

Just to clarify a bit, files Jack has put there could, and probably should, be removed, and then avoid putting files on D from henceforth.  Be sure not to remove anything you did not put there, i.e. files that are part of the Recovery files. 

[patio]

Good clarification soybean...Thanx.

[Jack Catalano]

Did you read my Post above Jack ? ?

Yes, I did read your post and I think its done scanning although Im not sure. How do I post a screenshot?

[jason2074]

How to post a screenshot? You can use imgur to upload the image or by imageshack site. Can you provide the computer model?

[Jack Catalano]

Its a Windows Vista. Manufacturer is Acer and the model is Aspire M3100.

[jason2074]

Follow the instruction on how to post a screenshot with the scanned drive expanded. To be able to see if its a recovery partition or its a data partition being used.

[Jack Catalano]

http://imgur.com/HahYB

I hope this works. I've followed your instructions.

[jason2074]

I have low disk space on Drive D.

Scan the D drive with treesize and post again.

[Jack Catalano]

Ok, here you go: http://imgur.com/4MVKN

[jason2074]

Your D drive partition is full under User PC folder. What files are within this folder(expand)? You need to transfer then delete some files on your data partition as already suggested.

[patio]

It's recovery files from your original install...
Only you can decide if you need them...or not.

[Jack Catalano]

Your D drive partition is full under User PC folder. What files are within this folder(expand)? You need to transfer then delete some files on your data partition as already suggested.

Ok, how do transfer and then delete the files?


Also, I've tried deleting some of the files but it says I dont have enough free space to do it.

[jimlucey]

I used Ccleaner to free up free space on my laptop..it runs quicker now

[soybean]

Ok, how do transfer and then delete the files?

Just cut and paste, or drag files with your mouse from one drive/folder to another using Windows Explorer.

[Jack Catalano]

Ok, Im getting really, really frustrated right now. I tried to cut and paste and drag the files from one drive to another as mentioned above but everytime I try that my computer shuts down. Well, it doesnt shut down it just says that microsoft windows has stopped working. 

I tried using Ccleaner but I dont think its working. Even if I try to delete files, I cant because it says I dont have enough free space to do it.

[soybean]

Also, I've tried deleting some of the files but it says I dont have enough free space to do it.

To permanently delete a file without moving it anywhere, hold the Shift key down while pressing the Delete key.

[Jack Catalano]

Ok, I will try that. But another problem is happening. Everytime I'm in Realplayer or trying to delete some of my files all of a sudden it will close. It will say "Realplayer has to close" or "Microsoft Windows has to close". This does that everytime. Why is it doing that?

[jason2074]

You do not only delete files to free up your disk space, but also transfer some media files (then delete) which are not being used to another external drive. It will not only back-up your files but would really give you more room.

Everytime I'm in Realplayer

This has been haunting you since your previous posts. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/324405
More likely its a compatibility problem with windows. You might wanna check the details of errors if there is any when the message appears.

[Jack Catalano]

Thank you for the help Jason. Your right realplayer has been haunting me for a while now. The difference is that before I couldnt get any sound out of realplayer or I couldnt download the video. Now I can download the video but then it says"Realplayer has to stop working".

[jason2074]

You can download, browse and use your computer without Realplayer. You can play audio files with other free media player. You can install Winamp and VLC.

[Jack Catalano]

To permanently delete a file without moving it anywhere, hold the Shift key down while pressing the Delete key.

Sorry if this a double post. I tried holding the shift key down while pressing the delete key and it said I didnt have enough free space to delete the file.

[soybean]

You can download, browse and use your computer without Realplayer. You can play audio files with other free media player. You can install Winamp and VLC.

And, of course, there's Windows Media Player, which is on all Windows systems.

[Jack Catalano]

 So I just went to the microsoft answer desk and talked with someone for over an hour. The person said that I need an external hard drive. If you have a second, I wanted you guys to read this conversation. Is this guy telling the truth or is he just blowing smoke?

Welcome to Answer Desk.


Ahamadu Muhammad [09:16 PM] :

 Hello and welcome to the Microsoft Answer Desk! My name is Ahamadu M.. How may I help you today?


Jack [09:17 PM] :

 I need some help. I need to free up some disk space on drive D.


Jack [09:18 PM] :

 hello?


Jack [09:19 PM] :

 Im trying to delete some files but I cant because it says that i dont have enough free disk space to do it.


Ahamadu Muhammad [09:20 PM] :

 Have you tried running disk cleanup


Ahamadu Muhammad [09:20 PM] :

 The Windows program


Jack [09:20 PM] :

 yes


Jack [09:20 PM] :

 all it says i can delete files from the recycle bin, which has 0 bytes


Ahamadu Muhammad [09:24 PM] :

 How much free space do you have on the D: drive, what is the total size of it


Jack [09:24 PM] :

 i dont know.


Ahamadu Muhammad [09:25 PM] :

 Can you go to Start menu, then My Computer


Jack [09:25 PM] :

 ok


Jack [09:25 PM] :

 i will


Ahamadu Muhammad [09:25 PM] :

 Look for D: drive and relay the credentials


Jack [09:26 PM] :

 when i do that it says d drive, 22.9 MB free of 144 GB


Ahamadu Muhammad [09:27 PM] :

 And what does it say for the C: drive


Jack [09:28 PM] :

 9.86 GB free of 144 GB


Ahamadu Muhammad [09:33 PM] :

 Did you split the c: drive (primary drive) in half?


Jack [09:33 PM] :

 I dont think so


Ahamadu Muhammad [09:35 PM] :

 Ok, it intesresting that the c and d drive are split exactly 144 gb that's all


Jack [09:36 PM] :

 oh, what should I do?


Ahamadu Muhammad [09:37 PM] :

 One moment please


Ahamadu Muhammad [09:44 PM] :

 Ok, can I take a look at your computer?


Jack [09:44 PM] :

 ok


Ahamadu Muhammad [09:46 PM] :

 Let's get started by getting connected using our Remote Desktop tool so I can see what's happening on your screen. Before we connect though, please save or backup any documents and files you have opened. Also, If you have anything opened that you would not like to share, please remember to close it before we connect. In a moment you'll be asked to approve or disapprove the remote control. Please click 'OK' to approve.


[09:46 PM]:




Once the window opens, click Run, then click Run again.
Let your expert know if you encounter any problems with the Remote Control tool.


Jack [09:47 PM] :

 ok


Ahamadu Muhammad [09:54 PM] :

 How much space are you looking to free up, you have all backups on this drive


Ahamadu Muhammad [09:55 PM] :

 And surely you do not want to delete your backups


Jack [09:55 PM] :

 no i dont


Jack [09:55 PM] :

 im looking to free up as much space as possible, so i dont have this problem again


Ahamadu Muhammad [09:58 PM] :

 Is the D: drive an external drive or is it internal


Jack [09:58 PM] :

 i dont know


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:00 PM] :

 Do you have an external hard drive connected to your computer


Jack [10:00 PM] :

 i guess so


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:00 PM] :

 I think that this is why Recycle Bin shows up


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:01 PM] :

 Because it is not an OS drive


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:01 PM] :

 *OS primary


Jack [10:02 PM] :

 i dont know what that means


Jack [10:02 PM] :

 what should i do?


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:08 PM] :

 After looking at the drive, there is not a whole lot you can do


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:09 PM] :

 Most of the space is being taken up by the Windows Backup


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:09 PM] :

 You can free up space on your C: drive however


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:10 PM] :

 Uninstalling programs, videos etc if possible


Jack [10:10 PM] :

 ok, then what I supposed to do with disk d


Jack [10:10 PM] :

 ?


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:12 PM] :

 You really can't do a whole lot with it, your backup is contained on there, I would not recommend deleting that.


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:12 PM] :

 I will suggest that you do purchase an external hard drive and put the backup on there however, if you would like


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:13 PM] :

 That way you will free up to over 130 gb on your computer all while having your computer back up files on a separate drive which is the safest bet


Jack [10:13 PM] :

 I will get back to you on that


Jack [10:13 PM] :

 How much would those hard drives costs?


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:14 PM] :

 It depends on what size you are thinking about getting


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:15 PM] :

 What size are you considering


Jack [10:15 PM] :

 whatever i need


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:16 PM] :

 Ok, a 320GB drive would be a good size seeing that you're hard drive is natively 288gb at max


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:16 PM] :

 Here is a link to the Microsoft stores http://content.microsoftstore.com/Home.aspx


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:16 PM] :

 Do you see any in your general vicinity?


Jack [10:17 PM] :

 No where even close. I think, I think I backed up all my files already


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:18 PM] :

 I know you did


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:18 PM] :

 But you can also go to your local department store to purchase an external hard drive


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:19 PM] :

 They range in prices


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:19 PM] :

 Or you can shop online for a new external hard drive


Jack [10:19 PM] :

 so i need a hard drive even though i backed up the files?


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:20 PM] :

 Yes, because you stated that you want more space, correct?


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:21 PM] :

 You can always delete massive file types on your c: drive


Jack [10:21 PM] :

 right.


Jack [10:21 PM] :

 didnt you say that it would be wrong to delete all the files?


Jack [10:22 PM] :

 because they werent backed up? they are backed up. I just want space so I dont have this problem anymore


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:23 PM] :

 But I actually don't know what files were backed up


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:23 PM] :

 When did you back up your computer


Jack [10:23 PM] :

 i dont even know to be honest.


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:24 PM] :

 Ok, well that's exactly why I wouldn't recommend deleting too many/important files


Jack [10:25 PM] :

 how do i delete the files?


Jack [10:25 PM] :

 everytime i try to delete some files, it says i dont have enough free disk space


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:28 PM] :

 Well, I would suggest definitely purchasing an external hard drive


Jack [10:28 PM] :

 ok


Jack [10:28 PM] :

 is there anyway i can save this chat. or send it to someone?


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:30 PM] :

 Is there any reason for it


Jack [10:30 PM] :

 yes


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:30 PM] :

 But you can't sir, our chat logs are actually stored in our system


Jack [10:30 PM] :

 ok


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:31 PM] :

 Let me send over a free consultation though for the advice I have provided


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:32 PM] :

 Thank you, can you verify your phone number please


Jack [10:32 PM] :

 can i send you my email instead?


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:33 PM] :

 If you can't provide your phone number it's ok


Jack [10:33 PM] :

 ok. my email address is [email protected].


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:34 PM] :

Ok, well if you have any other issues, please contact Microsoft at: http://www.answerdesk.com/support/expert


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:34 PM] :

 If you have any other issues


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:36 PM] :

 Have a nice evening sir


Jack [10:36 PM] :

 you too.


Jack [10:36 PM] :

 thank you


Ahamadu Muhammad [10:36 PM] :

 Your welcome

[reddevilggg]

Your last post is full of the main problems that the members of this forum are facing when dealing with your problem.

eg

How much free space do you have on the D: drive, what is the total size of it

i dont know.

The information for this is in those screenshots you posted.

Is the D: drive an external drive or is it internal

i dont know

Do you have an external hard drive connected to your computer

i guess so

Do you own an external hard drive and is it plugged in to your machine ??

It would really help if you learned the basics of computer use and how to gather information that can help others when troubleshooting your problem. There is no point going to a garage and
saying 'My car is not working right'
Mechanic 'When was the last time you put fuel in'
You 'I dont know'
Mechanic ' When was the last time you put oil in'
You 'i dont know'
Mechanic 'Does it have 4 wheels'
You 'i guess so'

Can you see the problem here ?

The tech guy then goes on to say that you should not delete filed from the D: drive because they are backups.
Tech 'When did you back up the PC'
you 'dont know to be honest'

Do you know 'what' you backed up ??  I guessing no !

If you do not know what you've done or when or how, then trying to troubleshoot with this information becomes more like pulling teeth. There are simple rules that can encompass good computer use that you need to learn.

AS far as your problem is concerned, you may have to go round this the long way. You could either get an external hard drive, as suggested, to free up some space. You could try looking for files that are quite small and deleting them first.

Either way, becoming familiar with your PC and being able to provide good information about what is happening to it is the most important thing when asking for help, especially over a forum.

Why do you think CCleaner is not working ??

[Jack Catalano]

So are you saying that I should get an external hard drive? If so, where should I get one?

[Jack Catalano]

Ok, here are also the programs I have downloaded. Should uninstall ANY of these programs to free up space?


http://imgur.com/exwON

[reddevilggg]

So are you saying that I should get an external hard drive? If so, where should I get one?

You could get an external hard drive, you could get a USB stick and move files to that. It's up to you. If you get an external hard drive you will need to re-asses your backup technique because you have already filled your PC's hard drive with backups. If you're going down the external hard drive route then you could probably find one at a PC shop or maybe an electrical store, just a guess!

Should uninstall ANY of these programs to free up space?

Yes, you can uninstall Quicktime and / or Realplayer. You can always reinstall as soon as you've made space

but the question  i asked, which you've ignored is

Why do you think CCleaner is not working??

You mentioned in an earlier post that you didn't think CCleaner was working, yet its not in the 'Programs or Features' image that you've posted. What happened to it?

[Jack Catalano]

I uninstalled CCleaner because someone mentioned that they used it and it freed up space. When I tried it, it didnt work because I still have the same problems I did before I installed CCleaner.


How much do you think they would go for?

[patio]

Did you run CCleaner on the D: drive ? ?
I really think the issue here is a lack of communication...
D: from all i can see is a backup drive...and is probably best left alone.
Because you aren't sure if it's internal or external my guess is it's a partition on your C: main drive...
Also due to the lack of info alot of scattered advice has been given...only to complicate things further.

The low disk space error in Windows is easily fixed if this is the only issue...

However you need to do some looking on your end and let us know what drives including external you have connected to that PC...
Until then ...as it's been for 3 pages here it's simply guesswork.

[Jack Catalano]

Should I talk to Microsoft or my cable provider (Comcast) because I have internet through Comcast via a cable modem? Maybe talking to someone over the phone is better for me because Im just not understanding it. Its not your guys fault.

Everything you said Patio, above, I just dont understand any of it. Im sorry that Im not getting it but Im just not.

[patio]

Then i suggest having someone knowledgeable take a look at it for you.
Check to see if there's a PC Users group in your area...they'll usually do it for free...
You may consider signing up for some classes as well on basics such as file management...backup procedures etc.

Best of Luck.