Where Did My Hard Drive Space Go?

Deleting unused files, performing system checks, tune ups, and defragmenting a hard drive will keep it running smoothly with plenty of storage space. Prevent hard drive data recovery.

How often have you run out of space on your hard drive and asked yourself—where did my hard drive space go?

With all the music and videos available online, not to mention digital photos, games, and other hard drive hogs, that annoying “Low Disk Space” message may start popping up sooner than expected. When a computer is low on hard drive space, it usually starts to run sluggishly and can freeze or shut down unexpectedly.

If a quick fix is needed, you can easily free up some hard drive space by deleting temporary files, removing downloaded programs that are no longer being used, emptying the recycle bin, and removing any optional components that aren’t needed. Temporary internet files take up the most space because the browser stores a cache of every internet page visited, for quicker access to it the next time. Set your temporary internet files to save for the least amount of time. Many default settings are 7-14 days, which isn’t necessary.

Here are several more tips to save precious hard drive space:

Transfer extra digital photos

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Higher megapixel photos add up to huge amounts of hard drive space when hundreds of photos are stored on your computer. Transfer photos to a portable storage device or consider using an online site to store large photos and files. There are plenty of file hosting sites to choose from, and although many are public sites for photo and file sharing, you can also find private sites that are not accessible to the general public.

Delete Adware and Cookies

Many companies use adware and spyware to monitor online surfing habits and even obtain private information about the user. This not only wastes hard drive space, but compromises personal security and identity as well. Use spyware and adware detectors to delete these unwanted files and remove spyware from your computer. Many companies that offer freebies, such as screensavers or desktop toolbars, are also downloading spyware when you accept their offer. Be careful of online freebies and fully research programs before clicking the “download now” button.

Disk Cleanup and Defrag

Use preventive maintenance for optimum performance of your hard drive. Disk cleanup and disk defragmenter should be set to run at regular intervals, generally monthly.

Disk fragmentation uses up space and slows the overall performance of a computer. When files become fragmented, the computer has to search the hard drive every time the file is accessed in order to piece it back together. Running the disk defragmenter consolidates the files and stores them back to back without wasted space. In addition to monthly maintenance, run the defragmenter whenever a large number of files are added or if the free disk space is at 20 percent or less.

A little preventive maintenance goes a long way with a computer. Taking the time to delete and move files, perform system cleanup, and run disk checks will pay off in the long run. Keeping a computer running at its optimum level will prevent you from having to deal with system reboots or reformatting your entire hard drive down the road.

If you are a victim of data loss please consider Data Recovery Labs computer forensic experts.
For more information about our data recovery and computer forensic service please call us toll free at 866-340-0111.
You may also click on the following link to request a free data recovery quote.