Files wont delete, invisible stuff taking HD space(?)

grub20 · 10-15-2007, 08:21 PM

There is a 1.77gb file from a game I uninstalled that won't remove itself. In the uninstallation process it said it had to ignore this file too.

When i try to send it to the recycle bin, I get this:

Cannot delete Resource.dat: Access is Denied.
Make sure the disk is not full or write-protected
and that the file is not in use.

My second problem is this. I looked at my hard drive. Its capacity is 74.4GB, I am "using" 57.1 GB and I have 17.3 free. But when I go to add/remove programs, not even the number there adds up to beyond 20 GB of used space. I tried cleaning out my C drive, i really don't know whats taking up all this space, any easy way to figure out?

Thanks in advance

**Snoopdogie187** · 10-15-2007, 08:52 PM

For your first problem, It is probably a file that is starting with windows, so you can download another program that can uninstall it while the computer turns on/off or you can try to find that file in the list of all programs that start with windows. Not sure if it would work, never tried but try deleting it in safe mode.

For your second problem, there is a lot more that you do not see besides the programs. Like if you have System Restore points turned on, those add up to a few GBs itself, i use to delete them ever week or two and gain some of my hard drive back. Also there are temp files that can build up, one of which is temporary internet files or there is a temp file for programs that run.
There are mean little files that can add up. Like even things that you download and forget about or music, all of this is not included in the add/remove programs

**Wox** · 10-15-2007, 09:48 PM

Hi grub20

For the first problem try using killbox in safe mode.
For the second problem try using "Disk Cleanup", which can be found by going to Start -> Accessories -> System Tools. Another good tool is CCleaner, but Disk Cleanup is the most immediate way to solve the problem.
Another thing to try would be to reset System Restore. That would save a few gigs-
instructions here- http://tinyurl.com/23n5jt.
Also, sending files to the recycle bin doesn't mean that it's not taking up space anymore; emptying your recycle bin would help a lot too.
Finally, as SnoopDoggie said, your own files might be taking up space. Try deleting some of your no longer needed files.
Good luck!

grub20 · 10-16-2007, 02:27 AM

Thank you for the help. I have 27.8 free space now, thoroughly cleaned out my comp, but i'm still surprised that 46.6GB is being used...

grub20 · 10-16-2007, 02:36 AM

I added up the add/remove programs list and I have a total of 22 GB there. 5 gig of music/movies. So 19 GB is being used by system processes? Doesn't sound right...

**Snoopdogie187** · 10-16-2007, 01:14 PM

That 19GB will still be any of your own files that you create. Any other files that a program creates, like i know for aol, you can have it save all your emails to the hard drive. This would not be included in anything that you added together.
Don't forget, a bunch of little files that you do not add in because they seem so meaningless does add up when there gets to be enough.
and that 19 GB will be split up in a lot of files. Some that the windows OS is using then the rest in a bunch of other files.

10-15-2007, 08:21 PM	#1 (permalink)
grub20 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 143 OS: XP	Files wont delete, invisible stuff taking HD space(?) There is a 1.77gb file from a game I uninstalled that won't remove itself. In the uninstallation process it said it had to ignore this file too. When i try to send it to the recycle bin, I get this: Cannot delete Resource.dat: Access is Denied. Make sure the disk is not full or write-protected and that the file is not in use. My second problem is this. I looked at my hard drive. Its capacity is 74.4GB, I am "using" 57.1 GB and I have 17.3 free. But when I go to add/remove programs, not even the number there adds up to beyond 20 GB of used space. I tried cleaning out my C drive, i really don't know whats taking up all this space, any easy way to figure out? Thanks in advance

10-15-2007, 08:52 PM	#2 (permalink)
Snoopdogie187 Oh! What shall I be? Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 2,540 OS: Vista Home Premium SP1, mom: XP Pro SP2 My System	Re: Files wont delete, invisible stuff taking HD space(?) For your first problem, It is probably a file that is starting with windows, so you can download another program that can uninstall it while the computer turns on/off or you can try to find that file in the list of all programs that start with windows. Not sure if it would work, never tried but try deleting it in safe mode. For your second problem, there is a lot more that you do not see besides the programs. Like if you have System Restore points turned on, those add up to a few GBs itself, i use to delete them ever week or two and gain some of my hard drive back. Also there are temp files that can build up, one of which is temporary internet files or there is a temp file for programs that run. There are mean little files that can add up. Like even things that you download and forget about or music, all of this is not included in the add/remove programs

10-15-2007, 09:48 PM	#3 (permalink)
Wox TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Seattle Posts: 638 OS: XP Pro SP2 My System	Re: Files wont delete, invisible stuff taking HD space(?) Hi grub20 For the first problem try using killbox in safe mode. For the second problem try using "Disk Cleanup", which can be found by going to Start -> Accessories -> System Tools. Another good tool is CCleaner, but Disk Cleanup is the most immediate way to solve the problem. Another thing to try would be to reset System Restore. That would save a few gigs- instructions here- http://tinyurl.com/23n5jt. Also, sending files to the recycle bin doesn't mean that it's not taking up space anymore; emptying your recycle bin would help a lot too. Finally, as SnoopDoggie said, your own files might be taking up space. Try deleting some of your no longer needed files. Good luck! Last edited by Wox; 10-15-2007 at 09:49 PM. Reason: links

10-16-2007, 02:27 AM	#4 (permalink)
grub20 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 143 OS: XP	Re: Files wont delete, invisible stuff taking HD space(?) Thank you for the help. I have 27.8 free space now, thoroughly cleaned out my comp, but i'm still surprised that 46.6GB is being used...

10-16-2007, 02:36 AM	#5 (permalink)
grub20 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 143 OS: XP	Re: Files wont delete, invisible stuff taking HD space(?) I added up the add/remove programs list and I have a total of 22 GB there. 5 gig of music/movies. So 19 GB is being used by system processes? Doesn't sound right... Last edited by grub20; 10-16-2007 at 02:38 AM.

10-16-2007, 01:14 PM	#6 (permalink)
Snoopdogie187 Oh! What shall I be? Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 2,540 OS: Vista Home Premium SP1, mom: XP Pro SP2 My System	Re: Files wont delete, invisible stuff taking HD space(?) That 19GB will still be any of your own files that you create. Any other files that a program creates, like i know for aol, you can have it save all your emails to the hard drive. This would not be included in anything that you added together. Don't forget, a bunch of little files that you do not add in because they seem so meaningless does add up when there gets to be enough. and that 19 GB will be split up in a lot of files. Some that the windows OS is using then the rest in a bunch of other files.