BleepingComputer.com: Duplicate copy of XP on One HD

I have a duplicate copy of WXP on one HD. My HD is showing VERY little available disk space and is running VERY..Very slow! How do I remove the duplicate copy? I have done the "Boot Log" update to remove it from there...but is still eating up my disk space.

I have removed the vast majority of old "junk" software off of the system and have done a disk defrag, registry clean, etc.

Thank you in advance for any help that can be offered!

Katiejo89

Well...first things first.

System manufacturer and model?

How did the system come to have what you refer to as a "copy"?

How large is the hard drive...better yet, please post a screenshot from Disk Management.

Start/Run...type diskmgmt.msc and hit Enter.

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

Sorry for the delay!

The system is a Dell Optiplex GX240. The duplication happened several years ago, and to be quite honest, I don't remeber the circumstances behind the duplicate installation. I seem to remember somone advising me to "reinstall" the OS to fix some type of issue we were having.

I can't figure out how to attach the screen shot. I put it into paint and tried to attach it, but it says that the file is too big. Please advise.

Thank you so much for your help

Katie

Reduce the size of the graphic file...then upload as an attachment.

I use my graphics editor, but you can use a program like Irfanview to reduce the file size and change the format, if desired. The .jpg file format is probably best/easiest.

Inserting An Image Within A Post - http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic14738.html

How to post screenshots or images - http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php?topic=61232.0

Louis