This I can't figure out :

I'm using vista ultimate , auto updates are on but rare do I have my computer on unattended for anything to install . Any downloads go to desktop so I can file on the appropriate selected partitions or seperate drives . I run CCleaner daily , basically keep my pc as clean as possible but like Area 51 there are mysterious dissapearances in my hd space . Unallocated drive space has gone in the past 2 days without an install of anything . Any downloads have been transferred to the appropriate drives , all temp files cleared .

I have a 500 gig c:/ split on a 285 / 180 with minimal installs due to constant reinstalls of OS for study reasons along with a 250 internal and a 250 external ( these never lose unallocated drive space )

Any suggestions ??

Give us some numbers. How much disk space is being consumed?

without an install of anything

I doubt that. Just running Windows creates several temp files, and unless you have manually gone in and changed all your security settings, every time you connect to the Internet, dozens, 100s, or more temporary Internet files and cookies are downloaded. Restore points may be created, and logs are written to.

And of course, it could be malware having a heyday so I recommend a thorough scanning with updated scanners.

Vista automatically reserves up to 15% of the partition space for restore points and you might want to have Vista only create restore points for your system partition but thats up to you. Using windows disk cleaner you can have windows delete all but the most recent restore point if you wish. You can use windows disk cleaner to clear off the thumbnail cash which can bet quite hefty. The path for those files is \Users\username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer however windows won't typically let you delete those files while you are logged in. You can also compress that folder. It is the little things that can add up but depending on how much is being taken up you could have a problem. I can't be anymore specific than that.

I like using CC cleaner to clean off all the temporary crap but it doesn't get everything. I also use ATF-Cleaner and occasionally Temp File Cleaner. You can use Disc Space Reporter to find out where your room is going.

Thnx for the reply ,

Miscalculation in human error . A few downloads had gone to a non specified folder . Found the culprits and have allocated them to thier proper space . Can close thread .

Thanks for the reply.