Why is my computer eating disk space?

Question

Last night I checked my computer and it read 7gb remaining and I shut it down later. The next morning it read 4.5gb remaining.What is going on? How do I fix it?

Answer 1

It's hungry num num num num.

Seriously though that's about the difference in a service pack.  Do you have automatic updates downloading and installing automatically?

That could be it!  If that's the case you can clean up what the updates leave behind by deleting temp files and the binaries.  If you think that might be it, google for further information.

Answer 2

The system restore feature on Vista is set by default to take a "snapshot" of the files and programs on your computer a certain amount of times each day or when something changes. As a result, it takes up a lot of HDD space...

* Start / Accessories / System Tools / Disk Cleanup... More Options... Under System and Shadow Copies... Click Clean-up... this will remove all but most recent restore points. Do this as often as you like. Hope this helps.

You didn't say what OS you have... but you can do this for XP also.

Answer 3

I am suffering from the same thing actually. There is this mysterious wastage of memory. The hardrive is being filled up for no obvious reason. The only thing I suspect about this is the automatic updates from Microsoft which I have enabled( note the updates are installed during shutdown). I suggest that you do a regular disc cleanup, maybe there are too much useless things saved in your computer. My Computer>right click drive C> Properties> Disc Cleanup> check all check boxes> OK. If you have the Automatic Updates enabled, schedule the update when you want them. Try emptying the Recycle BIn and delete useless files from My Documents. Delete useless movies, music and stuff. You can also try installing CCleaner. It gets rids of the junk in your computer. It also lets you uninstall apps from the computer and fixes your registry.

Answer 4

Run a disk space visualiser to see what is going where. There are loads available for various operating systems - pick one for your OS, run it and see!

E.g.

http://library.gnome.org/users/baobab/st...