BleepingComputer.com: C drive fills up

Hi,
I have an older Compaq Evo running XP Home SP3. I am (again) running into the problem of my C drive filling up. I don't save anything there or install to it if I have a choice so I'm not sure what goes on with it.

When I analyze with WinDirStat, Windows is of course the fattest folder, with most of the bulk in system32\files and installer\files.

I've run a directory cleaner and CCleaner (all boxes checked) with only small gains.

Any ideas on how to clean things up?

Cheers
Duane

I'm still working on cleaning things up, I noticed that according to 'add remove programs' I have several generations of MS .NET and Visual C++. I tried to remove the older ones but it wouldn't let me. Is there a way to clean this up manually?

Thanks

i would just go from directory to directory deleting stuff. there's alot more that follows, but that's a healthy start.

edit:
stuff you don't need, of course.

This post has been edited by ejames82: 22 October 2010 - 10:52 PM

ejames82, on 22 October 2010 - 10:52 PM, said:

That can be a very dangerous method. What you need\think you do`t need are often times two very different things. Then you get into the situation of what the OS may or may not need. Then what ever programs you have installed may rely on something you do`t deem necessary.

That method is asking for trouble IMO.

Hi -
You do not mention the space you have in total , or the remaining space left after a defrag and disc cleanup -
I would start in Control Panel > Add Remove and delete all your installed programs that are not used on a regular basis -
After that defrag again and see how much free space is left - Then regulate your behaviour to suit this space -
Add more Ram if you can (an extra stick always helps) -

Thank You -

Bleeping Computer DOES NOT recommend the use of registry cleaners/optimizers for several reasons:

Registry cleaners are extremely powerful applications that can damage the registry by using aggressive cleaning routines and cause your computer to become unbootable. The Windows registry is a central repository (database) for storing configuration data, user settings and machine-dependent settings, and options for the operating system. It contains information and settings for all hardware, software, users, and preferences. Whenever a user makes changes to settings, file associations, system policies, or installed software, the changes are reflected and stored in this repository.

The registry is a crucial component because it is where Windows "remembers" all this information, how it works together, how Windows boots the system and what files it uses when it does. The registry is also a vulnerable subsystem, in that relatively small changes done incorrectly can render the system inoperable. For a more detailed explanation, read Understanding The Registry.

Not all registry cleaners are created equal. There are a number of them available but they do not all work entirely the same way. Each vendor uses different criteria as to what constitutes a "bad entry". One cleaner may find entries on your system that will not cause problems when removed, another may not find the same entries, and still another may want to remove entries required for a program to work.

Not all registry cleaners create a backup of the registry before making changes. If the changes prevent the system from booting up, then there is no backup available to restore it in order to regain functionality. A backup of the registry is essential BEFORE making any changes to the registry.Improperly removing registry entries can hamper malware disinfection and make the removal process more difficult if your computer becomes infected. For example, removing malware related registry entries before the infection is properly identified can contribute to system instability and even make the malware undetectable to removal tools.

The usefulness of cleaning the registry is highly overrated and can be dangerous. In most cases, using a cleaner to remove obsolete, invalid, and erroneous entries does not affect system performance but it can result in "unpredictable results".

Unless you have a particular problem that requires a registry edit to correct it, I would suggest you leave the registry alone. Using registry cleaning tools unnecessarily or incorrectly could lead to disastrous effects on your operating system such as preventing it from ever starting again. For routine use, the benefits to your computer are negligible while the potential risks are great.

• Ed Bott's Webog: Why I don't use registry cleaners
  
• Do I need a Registry Cleaner?

Louis

This post has been edited by hamluis: 23 October 2010 - 10:07 AM

i apologize for my previous confusing statement.

No need to apologize...we all make mistakes in our assumptions...that's why the forum is more advantageous for attempting to find solutions...than "private consultations" or suggestions from one person .

Louis

ejames82, on 23 October 2010 - 10:16 AM, said:

The assistance is appreciated. We just request as clear an explanation as possible to avoid confusion and potential future problems for the OP or others that may be reading the thread.

Hi trailhead -
Can you give us any information on how the cleanup is going -

Thank You -