It seems my hard drive is nearly full and i really don't know how.Is there any software i can download to tell me where the space has gone?

Just a free simple program will be great.

Check out treesize free

This will give you an overview on where most of the data is stored

What are you running - XP, Vista, 7?

Are offline files turned on?

Have you got system restore enabled?

What size is the disk?

If you right click on C: and properties > disk cleanup > choose what you want to keep and get rid of (untick compress files) > then go to more options > Clean Up on system Restore > Wait a few mins > Click on OK.

This should free up GB's if you are on Vista or 7.

A good tool to download is ccleaner which will clean up all temp files etc.

What are you running - XP, Vista, 7?

Are offline files turned on?

Have you got system restore enabled?

What size is the disk?

If you right click on C: and properties > disk cleanup > choose what you want to keep and get rid of (untick compress files) > then go to more options > Clean Up on system Restore > Wait a few mins > Click on OK.

This should free up GB's if you are on Vista or 7.

A good tool to download is ccleaner which will clean up all temp files etc.

Just deleted around 30gb from Lenovo rescue & recovery back up.

Running Vista with 120gb HD (106GB) 67 GB Used now

I will do a disk cleanup,defrag

If you right click on C: and properties > disk cleanup > choose what you want to keep and get rid of (untick compress files) > then go to more options > Clean Up on system Restore > Wait a few mins > Click on OK.

(untick compress files) Should this be ticked? as it isn't in general use?

I do have CCleaner and use it monthly.

Edited 8 June, 201016 yr by jaymd

Check out treesize free

This will give you an overview on where most of the data is stored

Cheers Will try this.

There's no point in using back-up/recovery software (or even having it installed) unless you have a separate device to back-up to. If the disc fails, or catches a virus, you've lost whatever's on it whether you've got one copy or 2.

Can tick it if you want but takes an age and slows down disk access. I bet it is the sys restore files causing it. Defraggler for defraging the drive as vista one is rubbish!

Yeah; check how many system restore points Windoze has created, and get rid of all but the last 2 or 3.

+1 for disk cleanup and a defrag.

Use what you have before spending money.

If you have lots of pictures/vids you might want to consider an external harddrive but remember to backup.

you can also delete all the contents of c:\windows\software distribution\downloads, just the contents and not the folder itself. also check c:\windows\temp and delete everything.