Hard drive problem

[penntor]

My computer (desktop) keeps flagging a message saying 'low on disk space'. When I check it appears the OS (C is full. I delete or move files to a usb stick to create space and restore function but within a short period of time it is full again as if there is something in the background filling it up. How can I solve this problem.
TIA.

 

[J B]

You could maybe format and reinstall Windows (presuming that's what you use)
That would probably get rid of some rubbish ... presuming you have everything backed up.

What size is OS-C? Do you have an OS-D?

 

[penntor]

Running Windows 7 professional, OS-C is 500GB, no OS-D.

 

[Nearly]

Delete cookies
Disc cleanup / defragment

 

[J B]

Running Windows 7 professional, OS-C is 500GB, no OS-D.

Maybe you could install CCleaner - make sure you chose the *free* version and don't install any other bits and bobs it offers you
Really needs upgrading to W10 pro and an SSD fitting.
Any idea what's taking up the space?

 

[deleted user 837354]

I would be highly suspect of the drive myself.

Install CCleaner, then virus scan the machine (a full system scan of the drive may take some time).

If it is a mechanical hard drive you can clone it and put a replacement 1 GB drive in it for not a lot of money. Buy a Western digital 1TB.

I agree Windows 7 is a big security risk these days and it really and truthfully needs to be upgraded if the machine can run it.

 

[milkloss]

As long as you've got your data safe first then try all of the above. I'll say it again.... GET YOUR DATA SAFE BEFORE ANY MESSING WITH THE DRIVE.

I'd go new drive and a fresh install of windows my self. It sounds as though the drive might be getting bad and marking sectors as not for use because they are un reliable. Scan the disk for errors.

 

[Dry Rot]

I am the last person to be advising, but couldn't he just buy a hub and another hard disk? Not expensive.

 

[Storeman]

Get yourself a new, larger, hard drive. Clone the existing drive to the new one, pop it in and away you go. The existing (full) one could then be used as extra storage.

 

[J B]

Get yourself a new, larger, hard drive. Clone the existing drive to the new one, pop it in and away you go. The existing (full) one could then be used as extra storage.

Trouble is, if you clone the drive, you bring all the carp that you already have, whereas with a format/reinstall you start with a cleaner system.

 

[steveR]

Maybe you could install CCleaner - make sure you chose the *free* version and don't install any other bits and bobs it offers you
Really needs upgrading to W10 pro and an SSD fitting.
Any idea what's taking up the space?

W10? Pah.... I have a new compact waiting in the wings with W10, but still not done the full transfer...I'm sure I still have a HD with a W95 install... LudditesR Us!

Defrag and Clean is a good start for the OP. Not used CC for yonks.

 

[penntor]

Any idea what's taking up the space?
No, I have moved a lot of files to a usb stick and free up space but then it seems to fill up again but i do not know what with as I am not putting anything on it.

 

[J B]

Any idea what's taking up the space?
No, I have moved a lot of files to a usb stick and free up space but then it seems to fill up again but i do not know what with as I am not putting anything on it.

Hmm
Back to basics perhaps - what programs do you use on it?

 

[Dry Rot]

Can't your computer do an analysis of what is using hard disk space? Maybe Macs aren't so bad after all! Try Googling your question, TFF is good but it doesn't know everything.