I've been using this computer for years and am very adept at deleting files and managing my C drive space, until recently. Something is weird.

Let's say I delete some video and audio files, perhaps some image files too from various folders on my internal C drive. The deleted files are sent to the trash bin. Then I empty the trash bin. There should now be more vacant space available on the C drive. Correct? Well, not so! In fact, sometimes I have LESS space available on the hard drive after doing the above. What is happening? When I observe this, I'll reboot to see what happens. Sometimes after rebooting there is more drive space, but sometimes there is NOT more drive space.

I am suspicious of the data that has been accumulating in the C drive folder known as "Documents and Settings". Selecting 'properties' with that folder highlighted indicates that there is 2.84 GB there, with 28,291 files there. I have occasionally saved things in my 'documents' folder, but not nearly that many. Suggestions, please. thank you!

Are you running Norton's System Works?

If so you would want to empty the Protected Recycling bin.

My Documents and Settings is 3.5GB 90% of which is in My Documents 90% of that is in My Pictures and My Videos. (Just for example).

Great idea, but no cigar! I have a different Norton product installed (with no Protected Recycle Bin).

Since my initial post, I've discovered that a COLD re-boot will usually solve the problem, just not always.

I have since turned off the recycle bin completely. Henceforth, everything will be deleted immediately with no second chances. We'll see have that works. thank you!

Originally Posted by jephree

Are you running Norton's System Works?

If so you would want to empty the Protected Recycling bin.

My Documents and Settings is 3.5GB 90% of which is in My Documents 90% of that is in My Pictures and My Videos. (Just for example).

Have you run Disk Cleanup as well as Disk Defragmenter?

start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools >

If you have already tried to delete all files and folders from a specific drives but disk space still constant shown free space, don't u worry try to run Disk Cleanup utilities and then check if same problem the try to Empty your Recycle bin and then try to remove Temp files and prefetch from your system all these will help you to increase in disk space.