Vista - Bloat, Hidden Files consuming Disk Space

04-01-2008

Dear All:

I performed a Clean Install of Windows Vista Ultimate, on a new computer. I
loaded all of my software in preparation of switching my production system
from WXP to Vista. I then noticed something about the disk space.

I have 232 GB drive and C Properties indicated I was using 69 GB. Looking at
the drive with Windows Explorer (Folder options are set to show all files),
I tag all files and the properties show I am using 19 GB of storage. That is
correct, as it is similar to the amount of storage used on several Vista
beta systems. So, where is the missing 50 GB?

I found a program, WinDirStat (http://windirstat.info/) which confirms I am
missing 50 GB as it does the same math I do and it labels the missing amount
as Unknown. That is not terrible useful, as one would like to know what the
actual files are.

I did all of the usual cleaning up (Disk Cleanup, clear the Recycle bin,
remove all System Points and turn of Shadow Copies). The System Volume
Information folder has only 20 KB of files in it. I surfed the Internet
looking for other file management software which would show the missing
files. I did not find any.

Any suggestions?

Thank you.

:-) Cheers,

Jeff V. Pulver
www.a.acom
http://www.a.com

04-02-2008

Hi,

I have to be honest with you, I perform the same steps you described in my
system and it worked fine - it reports the used disk space that I'm actually
using.

There is a stats software that I like, but it's shareware - free to try for
30 days. You might want to try this. It gives you a list of folders that
contains "unknown" files, so seems to give you little bit more information.

http://www.sixty-five.cc/sm/

Let me know what you find

--Malu

"Jeff V. Pulver" <pulver@xxxxxx-design.com> wrote in message
news:eXVfmMHlIHA.1184@xxxxxx

Quote:

> Dear All:
>
> I performed a Clean Install of Windows Vista Ultimate, on a new computer.
> I loaded all of my software in preparation of switching my production
> system from WXP to Vista. I then noticed something about the disk space.
>
> I have 232 GB drive and C Properties indicated I was using 69 GB. Looking
> at the drive with Windows Explorer (Folder options are set to show all
> files), I tag all files and the properties show I am using 19 GB of
> storage. That is correct, as it is similar to the amount of storage used
> on several Vista beta systems. So, where is the missing 50 GB?
>
> I found a program, WinDirStat (http://windirstat.info/) which confirms I
> am missing 50 GB as it does the same math I do and it labels the missing
> amount as Unknown. That is not terrible useful, as one would like to know
> what the actual files are.
>
> I did all of the usual cleaning up (Disk Cleanup, clear the Recycle bin,
> remove all System Points and turn of Shadow Copies). The System Volume
> Information folder has only 20 KB of files in it. I surfed the Internet
> looking for other file management software which would show the missing
> files. I did not find any.
>
> Any suggestions?
>
> Thank you.
>
> :-) Cheers,
>
> Jeff V. Pulver
> www.a.acom
> http://www.a.com
>

04-03-2008

Dear Malu:

Quote:

>> I have to be honest with you, I perform the same steps you described in
>> my system and it worked fine - it reports the used disk space that I'm
>> actually using. <<

This is a start; I am talking with someone from MS. I can provide you with
screen shots, of Vista functions, showing the disk usage. In addition, I am
running WinDirStat (http://windirstat.info/). It cannot see the files, but
it determines they are there by doing the same math I did. Setting Options |
Show Unknown, it shows the size of the missing files, as a single entity
called, "Unknown.".

Quote:

>> There is a stats software that I like, but it's shareware - free to try
>> for 30 days. You might want to try this. It gives you a list of folders
>> that contains "unknown" files, so seems to give you little bit more
>> information.

http://www.sixty-five.cc/sm/

Let me know what you find <<

I installed that software. It sort of found the mystery files. Instead of
"Unknown" it is calling them, "Unscannaed." The graphics for that space also
says: "Unscannable folders: 42."

So, why does the Properties of the Drive show the files but no other native
MS software mentions anything about them? On the same system I have a
second drive, identical to the first. The two numbers match exactly on that
drive.

What is really frustrating is this was to become my new Production system. I
built the computer, performed a Clean Install of Windows Vista Ultimate,
then I installed all of my required software. I was really surprised when I
first noticed how much disk space was used. I also noted a similar problem
on the Vista beta and I reported it but I did not hear back on that issue. I
have another Vista ultimate system, and the numbers for the two functions
are close to the same for the C drive.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Jeff V. Pulver

04-03-2008

This other software I gave you actually gives a list of all unscannable
folders you have - that's why I thought it should be a good hint.
In the treemap page, you'll see a gray area saying "unscanned". Right click
that area, and choose "List unscannable folders". It will show you the path
of all folders they can't scan - usually system protected stuff - and also
the probable reason why it couldn't be scanned - system security, for
instance.

Anyway, Spacemonger it's just a software that I like to use for my own
amusement

Other people here use other stuff.

I'm going to ask some people around if they know what's happening. Will get
back to you, ok?

--Malu

"Jeff V. Pulver" <pulver@xxxxxx-design.com> wrote in message
news:%23EbXXxYlIHA.4684@xxxxxx

Quote:

> Dear Malu:
>

Quote:

>>> I have to be honest with you, I perform the same steps you described in
>>> my system and it worked fine - it reports the used disk space that I'm
>>> actually using. <<

>
> This is a start; I am talking with someone from MS. I can provide you with
> screen shots, of Vista functions, showing the disk usage. In addition, I
> am running WinDirStat (http://windirstat.info/). It cannot see the files,
> but it determines they are there by doing the same math I did. Setting
> Options | Show Unknown, it shows the size of the missing files, as a
> single entity called, "Unknown.".
>

Quote:

>>> There is a stats software that I like, but it's shareware - free to try
>>> for 30 days. You might want to try this. It gives you a list of folders
>>> that contains "unknown" files, so seems to give you little bit more
>>> information.

>
> http://www.sixty-five.cc/sm/
>
> Let me know what you find <<
>
> I installed that software. It sort of found the mystery files. Instead of
> "Unknown" it is calling them, "Unscannaed." The graphics for that space
> also says: "Unscannable folders: 42."
>
> So, why does the Properties of the Drive show the files but no other
> native MS software mentions anything about them? On the same system I
> have a second drive, identical to the first. The two numbers match exactly
> on that drive.
>
> What is really frustrating is this was to become my new Production system.
> I built the computer, performed a Clean Install of Windows Vista Ultimate,
> then I installed all of my required software. I was really surprised when
> I first noticed how much disk space was used. I also noted a similar
> problem on the Vista beta and I reported it but I did not hear back on
> that issue. I have another Vista ultimate system, and the numbers for the
> two functions are close to the same for the C drive.
>
> Thank you.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Jeff V. Pulver
>

04-03-2008

Ok, I'm back

First point... This shouldn't be happening. You should be able to see the
actual space in the disk.

That being said...

A friend here told me the following:

---

Something a bit similar to this happened to me in XP.

In *my* case, what happened was that I had the XXXXX (some
antivirus/protection application) installed and it has an enhanced recycle
bin or something like that.
Basically what it did was that every time I uninstalled a program (or
deleted certain files), that software would move the data to some hidden
place in the disk that only the said software could see.

I imagine it had a file system filter driver installed so that it obscured
files from the system. This means there is no way to make these files to
show up in Windows Explorer or something like that.

It was so annoying! And it may be the case of our customer. This is simple
to test, however: all he has to do is install some super large program (say,
a modern PC game) and then uninstall it afterwards, and see if there is disk
space reclaimed by the uninstall operation. If there's not, then he probably
is a victim of such "utility". If this is the case, then the only way he can
reclaim his lost 50GB is via that app. (And for some reason, I couldn't
reclaim all the space, when I had that installed).

---

Let me know if that info gives you some insight!

--Malu

"Jeff V. Pulver" <pulver@xxxxxx-design.com> wrote in message
news:%23EbXXxYlIHA.4684@xxxxxx

Quote:

> Dear Malu:
>

Quote:

>>> I have to be honest with you, I perform the same steps you described in
>>> my system and it worked fine - it reports the used disk space that I'm
>>> actually using. <<

>
> This is a start; I am talking with someone from MS. I can provide you with
> screen shots, of Vista functions, showing the disk usage. In addition, I
> am running WinDirStat (http://windirstat.info/). It cannot see the files,
> but it determines they are there by doing the same math I did. Setting
> Options | Show Unknown, it shows the size of the missing files, as a
> single entity called, "Unknown.".
>

Quote:

>>> There is a stats software that I like, but it's shareware - free to try
>>> for 30 days. You might want to try this. It gives you a list of folders
>>> that contains "unknown" files, so seems to give you little bit more
>>> information.

>
> http://www.sixty-five.cc/sm/
>
> Let me know what you find <<
>
> I installed that software. It sort of found the mystery files. Instead of
> "Unknown" it is calling them, "Unscannaed." The graphics for that space
> also says: "Unscannable folders: 42."
>
> So, why does the Properties of the Drive show the files but no other
> native MS software mentions anything about them? On the same system I
> have a second drive, identical to the first. The two numbers match exactly
> on that drive.
>
> What is really frustrating is this was to become my new Production system.
> I built the computer, performed a Clean Install of Windows Vista Ultimate,
> then I installed all of my required software. I was really surprised when
> I first noticed how much disk space was used. I also noted a similar
> problem on the Vista beta and I reported it but I did not hear back on
> that issue. I have another Vista ultimate system, and the numbers for the
> two functions are close to the same for the C drive.
>
> Thank you.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Jeff V. Pulver
>

04-03-2008

Dear Malu:

Quote:

>> In the treemap page, you'll see a gray area saying "unscanned". Right
>> click that area, and choose "List unscannable folders". It will show you
>> the path of all folders they can't scan - usually system protected
>> stuff - and also the probable reason why it couldn't be scanned - system
>> security, for instance. <<

Thank you for that hint. I did everything except right-click the area. I am
researching those files now. It was a challenge getting a screen shot of
them. It would have been nice if SM allowed one top copy tat list of files
to the clipboard..

In any event, I will be registering SM, as I think it is a worthwhile
addition to my toolbox.

I am researching those files to see who the culprit is and hopefully learn
why. I found out the culprit.

It may have been caused by me; I have no idea why and more importatnly, I do
not know why the file was hidden. Here is what I found.

The problem was with folder: C:\Windows\CSC\v2.0.6\namespace\3-20-Main\Our
Data. I have learned CSC stands for Client-Side-Caching; but I am unfamiliar
with that concept.

3-20-Main is the name of one of my Systems and Our Data is the share name of
the D: drive on that system. There is a folder on that disk called My
Documents. It is the main file share and is 164 GB.

On the Vista system, the entire Folder structure of the D: drive is under
the Our Data folder listed above. However, all of the folders except My
Documents are empty. The My Documents contains 50.8 GB of data, which is
only part of the 164 GB of data.

What caused the CSC folders to get propagated with the data and why was it
hidden?

Thank you for your persistence.

Sincerely,

Jeff V. Pulver

04-03-2008

Dear Malu:

Quote:

>> In the treemap page, you'll see a gray area saying "unscanned". Right
>> click that area, and choose "List unscannable folders". It will show you
>> the path of all folders they can't scan - usually system protected
>> stuff - and also the probable reason why it couldn't be scanned - system
>> security, for instance. <<

Thank you for that hint. I did everything except right-click the area. I am
researching those files now. It was a challenge getting a screen shot of
them. It would have been nice if SM allowed one top copy tat list of files
to the clipboard..

In any event, I will be registering SM, as I think it is a worthwhile
addition to my toolbox.

I am researching those files to see who the culprit is and hopefully learn
why. I found out the culprit.

It may have been caused by me; I have no idea why and more importatnly, I do
not know why the file was hidden. Here is what I found.

The problem was with folder: C:\Windows\CSC\v2.0.6\namespace\3-20-Main\Our
Data. I have learned CSC stands for Client-Side-Caching; but I am unfamiliar
with that concept.

3-20-Main is the name of one of my Systems and Our Data is the share name of
the D: drive on that system. There is a folder on that disk called My
Documents. It is the main file share and is 164 GB.

On the Vista system, the entire Folder structure of the D: drive is under
the Our Data folder listed above. However, all of the folders except My
Documents are empty. The My Documents contains 50.8 GB of data, which is
only part of the 164 GB of data.

What caused the CSC folders to get propagated with the data and why was it
hidden?

Thank you for your persistence.

Sincerely,

Jeff V. Pulver

04-03-2008

Dear Malu:

Quote:

>> In the treemap page, you'll see a gray area saying "unscanned". Right
>> click that area, and choose "List unscannable folders". It will show you
>> the path of all folders they can't scan - usually system protected
>> stuff - and also the probable reason why it couldn't be scanned - system
>> security, for instance. <<

Thank you for that hint. I did everything except right-click the area. I am
researching those files now. It was a challenge getting a screen shot of
them. It would have been nice if SM allowed one top copy tat list of files
to the clipboard..

In any event, I will be registering SM, as I think it is a worthwhile
addition to my toolbox.

I am researching those files to see who the culprit is and hopefully learn
why. I found out the culprit.

It may have been caused by me; I have no idea why and more importatnly, I do
not know why the file was hidden. Here is what I found.

The problem was with folder: C:\Windows\CSC\v2.0.6\namespace\3-20-Main\Our
Data. I have learned CSC stands for Client-Side-Caching; but I am unfamiliar
with that concept.

3-20-Main is the name of one of my Systems and Our Data is the share name of
the D: drive on that system. There is a folder on that disk called My
Documents. It is the main file share and is 164 GB.

On the Vista system, the entire Folder structure of the D: drive is under
the Our Data folder listed above. However, all of the folders except My
Documents are empty. The My Documents contains 50.8 GB of data, which is
only part of the 164 GB of data.

What caused the CSC folders to get propagated with the data and why was it
hidden?

Thank you for your persistence.

Sincerely,

Jeff V. Pulver

04-04-2008

Hello Jeff,

CSC Client-Side-Caching: Do you have Offline files enabled? Is the Our
Data drive mapped to your pc? Folder redirection and/or roaming profiles?

"Jeff V. Pulver" <pulver@xxxxxx-design.com> wrote in message
news:en7XA$flIHA.2268@xxxxxx

Quote:

> Dear Malu:
>

Quote:

>>> In the treemap page, you'll see a gray area saying "unscanned". Right
>>> click that area, and choose "List unscannable folders". It will show you
>>> the path of all folders they can't scan - usually system protected
>>> stuff - and also the probable reason why it couldn't be scanned - system
>>> security, for instance. <<

>
> Thank you for that hint. I did everything except right-click the area. I
> am researching those files now. It was a challenge getting a screen shot
> of them. It would have been nice if SM allowed one top copy tat list of
> files to the clipboard..
>
> In any event, I will be registering SM, as I think it is a worthwhile
> addition to my toolbox.
>
> I am researching those files to see who the culprit is and hopefully learn
> why. I found out the culprit.
>
> It may have been caused by me; I have no idea why and more importatnly, I
> do not know why the file was hidden. Here is what I found.
>
> The problem was with folder: C:\Windows\CSC\v2.0.6\namespace\3-20-Main\Our
> Data. I have learned CSC stands for Client-Side-Caching; but I am
> unfamiliar with that concept.
>
> 3-20-Main is the name of one of my Systems and Our Data is the share name
> of the D: drive on that system. There is a folder on that disk called My
> Documents. It is the main file share and is 164 GB.
>
> On the Vista system, the entire Folder structure of the D: drive is under
> the Our Data folder listed above. However, all of the folders except My
> Documents are empty. The My Documents contains 50.8 GB of data, which is
> only part of the 164 GB of data.
>
> What caused the CSC folders to get propagated with the data and why was it
> hidden?
>
> Thank you for your persistence.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Jeff V. Pulver
>
>
>

--
Jane, not plain

64 bit enabled :-)
Batteries not included. Braincell on vacation ;-)
MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

04-04-2008

"Jane C" <janecolman@xxxxxx> wrote in message
news:C0DF3207-F3DE-455C-804D-0A2AF481B45C@xxxxxx

Quote:

> Hello Jeff,
>
> CSC Client-Side-Caching: Do you have Offline files enabled? Is the Our
> Data drive mapped to your pc? Folder redirection and/or roaming profiles?
>
> "Jeff V. Pulver" <pulver@xxxxxx-design.com> wrote in message
> news:en7XA$flIHA.2268@xxxxxx

Quote:

>> Dear Malu:
>>

Quote:

>>>> In the treemap page, you'll see a gray area saying "unscanned". Right
>>>> click that area, and choose "List unscannable folders". It will show
>>>> you the path of all folders they can't scan - usually system protected
>>>> stuff - and also the probable reason why it couldn't be scanned -
>>>> system security, for instance. <<

>>
>> Thank you for that hint. I did everything except right-click the area. I
>> am researching those files now. It was a challenge getting a screen shot
>> of them. It would have been nice if SM allowed one top copy tat list of
>> files to the clipboard..
>>
>> In any event, I will be registering SM, as I think it is a worthwhile
>> addition to my toolbox.
>>
>> I am researching those files to see who the culprit is and hopefully
>> learn why. I found out the culprit.
>>
>> It may have been caused by me; I have no idea why and more importatnly, I
>> do not know why the file was hidden. Here is what I found.
>>
>> The problem was with folder:
>> C:\Windows\CSC\v2.0.6\namespace\3-20-Main\Our Data. I have learned CSC
>> stands for Client-Side-Caching; but I am unfamiliar with that concept.
>>
>> 3-20-Main is the name of one of my Systems and Our Data is the share name
>> of the D: drive on that system. There is a folder on that disk called My
>> Documents. It is the main file share and is 164 GB.
>>
>> On the Vista system, the entire Folder structure of the D: drive is under
>> the Our Data folder listed above. However, all of the folders except My
>> Documents are empty. The My Documents contains 50.8 GB of data, which is
>> only part of the 164 GB of data.
>>
>> What caused the CSC folders to get propagated with the data and why was
>> it hidden?
>>
>> Thank you for your persistence.
>>
>> Sincerely,
>>
>> Jeff V. Pulver
>>
>>
>>

>
> --
> Jane, not plain

64 bit enabled :-)
> Batteries not included. Braincell on vacation ;-)
> MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

04-01-2008	#1 (permalink)
Jeff V. Pulver n/a posts	Bloat, Hidden Files consuming Disk Space Dear All: I performed a Clean Install of Windows Vista Ultimate, on a new computer. I loaded all of my software in preparation of switching my production system from WXP to Vista. I then noticed something about the disk space. I have 232 GB drive and C Properties indicated I was using 69 GB. Looking at the drive with Windows Explorer (Folder options are set to show all files), I tag all files and the properties show I am using 19 GB of storage. That is correct, as it is similar to the amount of storage used on several Vista beta systems. So, where is the missing 50 GB? I found a program, WinDirStat (http://windirstat.info/) which confirms I am missing 50 GB as it does the same math I do and it labels the missing amount as Unknown. That is not terrible useful, as one would like to know what the actual files are. I did all of the usual cleaning up (Disk Cleanup, clear the Recycle bin, remove all System Points and turn of Shadow Copies). The System Volume Information folder has only 20 KB of files in it. I surfed the Internet looking for other file management software which would show the missing files. I did not find any. Any suggestions? Thank you. :-) Cheers, Jeff V. Pulver www.a.acom http://www.a.com
My System Specs

04-02-2008	#2 (permalink)
Malu Menezes [MSFT] n/a posts	Re: Bloat, Hidden Files consuming Disk Space Hi, I have to be honest with you, I perform the same steps you described in my system and it worked fine - it reports the used disk space that I'm actually using. There is a stats software that I like, but it's shareware - free to try for 30 days. You might want to try this. It gives you a list of folders that contains "unknown" files, so seems to give you little bit more information. http://www.sixty-five.cc/sm/ Let me know what you find --Malu "Jeff V. Pulver" <pulver@xxxxxx-design.com> wrote in message news:eXVfmMHlIHA.1184@xxxxxx Quote: > Dear All: > > I performed a Clean Install of Windows Vista Ultimate, on a new computer. > I loaded all of my software in preparation of switching my production > system from WXP to Vista. I then noticed something about the disk space. > > I have 232 GB drive and C Properties indicated I was using 69 GB. Looking > at the drive with Windows Explorer (Folder options are set to show all > files), I tag all files and the properties show I am using 19 GB of > storage. That is correct, as it is similar to the amount of storage used > on several Vista beta systems. So, where is the missing 50 GB? > > I found a program, WinDirStat (http://windirstat.info/) which confirms I > am missing 50 GB as it does the same math I do and it labels the missing > amount as Unknown. That is not terrible useful, as one would like to know > what the actual files are. > > I did all of the usual cleaning up (Disk Cleanup, clear the Recycle bin, > remove all System Points and turn of Shadow Copies). The System Volume > Information folder has only 20 KB of files in it. I surfed the Internet > looking for other file management software which would show the missing > files. I did not find any. > > Any suggestions? > > Thank you. > > :-) Cheers, > > Jeff V. Pulver > www.a.acom > http://www.a.com >
My System Specs

04-03-2008	#3 (permalink)
Jeff V. Pulver n/a posts	Re: Bloat, Hidden Files consuming Disk Space Dear Malu: Quote: Quote: >> I have to be honest with you, I perform the same steps you described in >> my system and it worked fine - it reports the used disk space that I'm >> actually using. << This is a start; I am talking with someone from MS. I can provide you with screen shots, of Vista functions, showing the disk usage. In addition, I am running WinDirStat (http://windirstat.info/). It cannot see the files, but it determines they are there by doing the same math I did. Setting Options \| Show Unknown, it shows the size of the missing files, as a single entity called, "Unknown.". Quote: Quote: >> There is a stats software that I like, but it's shareware - free to try >> for 30 days. You might want to try this. It gives you a list of folders >> that contains "unknown" files, so seems to give you little bit more >> information. http://www.sixty-five.cc/sm/ Let me know what you find << I installed that software. It sort of found the mystery files. Instead of "Unknown" it is calling them, "Unscannaed." The graphics for that space also says: "Unscannable folders: 42." So, why does the Properties of the Drive show the files but no other native MS software mentions anything about them? On the same system I have a second drive, identical to the first. The two numbers match exactly on that drive. What is really frustrating is this was to become my new Production system. I built the computer, performed a Clean Install of Windows Vista Ultimate, then I installed all of my required software. I was really surprised when I first noticed how much disk space was used. I also noted a similar problem on the Vista beta and I reported it but I did not hear back on that issue. I have another Vista ultimate system, and the numbers for the two functions are close to the same for the C drive. Thank you. Sincerely, Jeff V. Pulver
My System Specs

04-03-2008	#4 (permalink)
Malu Menezes [MSFT] n/a posts	Re: Bloat, Hidden Files consuming Disk Space This other software I gave you actually gives a list of all unscannable folders you have - that's why I thought it should be a good hint. In the treemap page, you'll see a gray area saying "unscanned". Right click that area, and choose "List unscannable folders". It will show you the path of all folders they can't scan - usually system protected stuff - and also the probable reason why it couldn't be scanned - system security, for instance. Anyway, Spacemonger it's just a software that I like to use for my own amusement Other people here use other stuff. I'm going to ask some people around if they know what's happening. Will get back to you, ok? --Malu "Jeff V. Pulver" <pulver@xxxxxx-design.com> wrote in message news:%23EbXXxYlIHA.4684@xxxxxx Quote: > Dear Malu: > Quote: Quote: >>> I have to be honest with you, I perform the same steps you described in >>> my system and it worked fine - it reports the used disk space that I'm >>> actually using. << > > This is a start; I am talking with someone from MS. I can provide you with > screen shots, of Vista functions, showing the disk usage. In addition, I > am running WinDirStat (http://windirstat.info/). It cannot see the files, > but it determines they are there by doing the same math I did. Setting > Options \| Show Unknown, it shows the size of the missing files, as a > single entity called, "Unknown.". > Quote: Quote: >>> There is a stats software that I like, but it's shareware - free to try >>> for 30 days. You might want to try this. It gives you a list of folders >>> that contains "unknown" files, so seems to give you little bit more >>> information. > > http://www.sixty-five.cc/sm/ > > Let me know what you find << > > I installed that software. It sort of found the mystery files. Instead of > "Unknown" it is calling them, "Unscannaed." The graphics for that space > also says: "Unscannable folders: 42." > > So, why does the Properties of the Drive show the files but no other > native MS software mentions anything about them? On the same system I > have a second drive, identical to the first. The two numbers match exactly > on that drive. > > What is really frustrating is this was to become my new Production system. > I built the computer, performed a Clean Install of Windows Vista Ultimate, > then I installed all of my required software. I was really surprised when > I first noticed how much disk space was used. I also noted a similar > problem on the Vista beta and I reported it but I did not hear back on > that issue. I have another Vista ultimate system, and the numbers for the > two functions are close to the same for the C drive. > > Thank you. > > Sincerely, > > Jeff V. Pulver >
My System Specs

04-03-2008	#5 (permalink)
Malu Menezes [MSFT] n/a posts	Re: Bloat, Hidden Files consuming Disk Space Ok, I'm back First point... This shouldn't be happening. You should be able to see the actual space in the disk. That being said... A friend here told me the following: --- Something a bit similar to this happened to me in XP. In my case, what happened was that I had the XXXXX (some antivirus/protection application) installed and it has an enhanced recycle bin or something like that. Basically what it did was that every time I uninstalled a program (or deleted certain files), that software would move the data to some hidden place in the disk that only the said software could see. I imagine it had a file system filter driver installed so that it obscured files from the system. This means there is no way to make these files to show up in Windows Explorer or something like that. It was so annoying! And it may be the case of our customer. This is simple to test, however: all he has to do is install some super large program (say, a modern PC game) and then uninstall it afterwards, and see if there is disk space reclaimed by the uninstall operation. If there's not, then he probably is a victim of such "utility". If this is the case, then the only way he can reclaim his lost 50GB is via that app. (And for some reason, I couldn't reclaim all the space, when I had that installed). --- Let me know if that info gives you some insight! --Malu "Jeff V. Pulver" <pulver@xxxxxx-design.com> wrote in message news:%23EbXXxYlIHA.4684@xxxxxx Quote: > Dear Malu: > Quote: Quote: >>> I have to be honest with you, I perform the same steps you described in >>> my system and it worked fine - it reports the used disk space that I'm >>> actually using. << > > This is a start; I am talking with someone from MS. I can provide you with > screen shots, of Vista functions, showing the disk usage. In addition, I > am running WinDirStat (http://windirstat.info/). It cannot see the files, > but it determines they are there by doing the same math I did. Setting > Options \| Show Unknown, it shows the size of the missing files, as a > single entity called, "Unknown.". > Quote: Quote: >>> There is a stats software that I like, but it's shareware - free to try >>> for 30 days. You might want to try this. It gives you a list of folders >>> that contains "unknown" files, so seems to give you little bit more >>> information. > > http://www.sixty-five.cc/sm/ > > Let me know what you find << > > I installed that software. It sort of found the mystery files. Instead of > "Unknown" it is calling them, "Unscannaed." The graphics for that space > also says: "Unscannable folders: 42." > > So, why does the Properties of the Drive show the files but no other > native MS software mentions anything about them? On the same system I > have a second drive, identical to the first. The two numbers match exactly > on that drive. > > What is really frustrating is this was to become my new Production system. > I built the computer, performed a Clean Install of Windows Vista Ultimate, > then I installed all of my required software. I was really surprised when > I first noticed how much disk space was used. I also noted a similar > problem on the Vista beta and I reported it but I did not hear back on > that issue. I have another Vista ultimate system, and the numbers for the > two functions are close to the same for the C drive. > > Thank you. > > Sincerely, > > Jeff V. Pulver >
My System Specs

04-03-2008	#6 (permalink)
Jeff V. Pulver n/a posts	Re: Bloat, Hidden Files consuming Disk Space Dear Malu: Quote: Quote: >> In the treemap page, you'll see a gray area saying "unscanned". Right >> click that area, and choose "List unscannable folders". It will show you >> the path of all folders they can't scan - usually system protected >> stuff - and also the probable reason why it couldn't be scanned - system >> security, for instance. << Thank you for that hint. I did everything except right-click the area. I am researching those files now. It was a challenge getting a screen shot of them. It would have been nice if SM allowed one top copy tat list of files to the clipboard.. In any event, I will be registering SM, as I think it is a worthwhile addition to my toolbox. I am researching those files to see who the culprit is and hopefully learn why. I found out the culprit. It may have been caused by me; I have no idea why and more importatnly, I do not know why the file was hidden. Here is what I found. The problem was with folder: C:\Windows\CSC\v2.0.6\namespace\3-20-Main\Our Data. I have learned CSC stands for Client-Side-Caching; but I am unfamiliar with that concept. 3-20-Main is the name of one of my Systems and Our Data is the share name of the D: drive on that system. There is a folder on that disk called My Documents. It is the main file share and is 164 GB. On the Vista system, the entire Folder structure of the D: drive is under the Our Data folder listed above. However, all of the folders except My Documents are empty. The My Documents contains 50.8 GB of data, which is only part of the 164 GB of data. What caused the CSC folders to get propagated with the data and why was it hidden? Thank you for your persistence. Sincerely, Jeff V. Pulver
My System Specs

04-03-2008	#7 (permalink)
Jeff V. Pulver n/a posts	Re: Bloat, Hidden Files consuming Disk Space Dear Malu: Quote: Quote: >> In the treemap page, you'll see a gray area saying "unscanned". Right >> click that area, and choose "List unscannable folders". It will show you >> the path of all folders they can't scan - usually system protected >> stuff - and also the probable reason why it couldn't be scanned - system >> security, for instance. << Thank you for that hint. I did everything except right-click the area. I am researching those files now. It was a challenge getting a screen shot of them. It would have been nice if SM allowed one top copy tat list of files to the clipboard.. In any event, I will be registering SM, as I think it is a worthwhile addition to my toolbox. I am researching those files to see who the culprit is and hopefully learn why. I found out the culprit. It may have been caused by me; I have no idea why and more importatnly, I do not know why the file was hidden. Here is what I found. The problem was with folder: C:\Windows\CSC\v2.0.6\namespace\3-20-Main\Our Data. I have learned CSC stands for Client-Side-Caching; but I am unfamiliar with that concept. 3-20-Main is the name of one of my Systems and Our Data is the share name of the D: drive on that system. There is a folder on that disk called My Documents. It is the main file share and is 164 GB. On the Vista system, the entire Folder structure of the D: drive is under the Our Data folder listed above. However, all of the folders except My Documents are empty. The My Documents contains 50.8 GB of data, which is only part of the 164 GB of data. What caused the CSC folders to get propagated with the data and why was it hidden? Thank you for your persistence. Sincerely, Jeff V. Pulver
My System Specs

04-03-2008	#8 (permalink)
Jeff V. Pulver n/a posts	Re: Bloat, Hidden Files consuming Disk Space Dear Malu: Quote: Quote: >> In the treemap page, you'll see a gray area saying "unscanned". Right >> click that area, and choose "List unscannable folders". It will show you >> the path of all folders they can't scan - usually system protected >> stuff - and also the probable reason why it couldn't be scanned - system >> security, for instance. << Thank you for that hint. I did everything except right-click the area. I am researching those files now. It was a challenge getting a screen shot of them. It would have been nice if SM allowed one top copy tat list of files to the clipboard.. In any event, I will be registering SM, as I think it is a worthwhile addition to my toolbox. I am researching those files to see who the culprit is and hopefully learn why. I found out the culprit. It may have been caused by me; I have no idea why and more importatnly, I do not know why the file was hidden. Here is what I found. The problem was with folder: C:\Windows\CSC\v2.0.6\namespace\3-20-Main\Our Data. I have learned CSC stands for Client-Side-Caching; but I am unfamiliar with that concept. 3-20-Main is the name of one of my Systems and Our Data is the share name of the D: drive on that system. There is a folder on that disk called My Documents. It is the main file share and is 164 GB. On the Vista system, the entire Folder structure of the D: drive is under the Our Data folder listed above. However, all of the folders except My Documents are empty. The My Documents contains 50.8 GB of data, which is only part of the 164 GB of data. What caused the CSC folders to get propagated with the data and why was it hidden? Thank you for your persistence. Sincerely, Jeff V. Pulver
My System Specs

04-04-2008	#9 (permalink)
Jane C n/a posts	Re: Bloat, Hidden Files consuming Disk Space Hello Jeff, CSC Client-Side-Caching: Do you have Offline files enabled? Is the Our Data drive mapped to your pc? Folder redirection and/or roaming profiles? "Jeff V. Pulver" <pulver@xxxxxx-design.com> wrote in message news:en7XA$flIHA.2268@xxxxxx Quote: > Dear Malu: > Quote: Quote: >>> In the treemap page, you'll see a gray area saying "unscanned". Right >>> click that area, and choose "List unscannable folders". It will show you >>> the path of all folders they can't scan - usually system protected >>> stuff - and also the probable reason why it couldn't be scanned - system >>> security, for instance. << > > Thank you for that hint. I did everything except right-click the area. I > am researching those files now. It was a challenge getting a screen shot > of them. It would have been nice if SM allowed one top copy tat list of > files to the clipboard.. > > In any event, I will be registering SM, as I think it is a worthwhile > addition to my toolbox. > > I am researching those files to see who the culprit is and hopefully learn > why. I found out the culprit. > > It may have been caused by me; I have no idea why and more importatnly, I > do not know why the file was hidden. Here is what I found. > > The problem was with folder: C:\Windows\CSC\v2.0.6\namespace\3-20-Main\Our > Data. I have learned CSC stands for Client-Side-Caching; but I am > unfamiliar with that concept. > > 3-20-Main is the name of one of my Systems and Our Data is the share name > of the D: drive on that system. There is a folder on that disk called My > Documents. It is the main file share and is 164 GB. > > On the Vista system, the entire Folder structure of the D: drive is under > the Our Data folder listed above. However, all of the folders except My > Documents are empty. The My Documents contains 50.8 GB of data, which is > only part of the 164 GB of data. > > What caused the CSC folders to get propagated with the data and why was it > hidden? > > Thank you for your persistence. > > Sincerely, > > Jeff V. Pulver > > > -- Jane, not plain 64 bit enabled :-) Batteries not included. Braincell on vacation ;-) MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
My System Specs

04-04-2008	#10 (permalink)
Jeff V. Pulver n/a posts	Re: Bloat, Hidden Files consuming Disk Space "Jane C" <janecolman@xxxxxx> wrote in message news:C0DF3207-F3DE-455C-804D-0A2AF481B45C@xxxxxx Quote: > Hello Jeff, > > CSC Client-Side-Caching: Do you have Offline files enabled? Is the Our > Data drive mapped to your pc? Folder redirection and/or roaming profiles? > > "Jeff V. Pulver" <pulver@xxxxxx-design.com> wrote in message > news:en7XA$flIHA.2268@xxxxxx Quote: >> Dear Malu: >> Quote: >>>> In the treemap page, you'll see a gray area saying "unscanned". Right >>>> click that area, and choose "List unscannable folders". It will show >>>> you the path of all folders they can't scan - usually system protected >>>> stuff - and also the probable reason why it couldn't be scanned - >>>> system security, for instance. << >> >> Thank you for that hint. I did everything except right-click the area. I >> am researching those files now. It was a challenge getting a screen shot >> of them. It would have been nice if SM allowed one top copy tat list of >> files to the clipboard.. >> >> In any event, I will be registering SM, as I think it is a worthwhile >> addition to my toolbox. >> >> I am researching those files to see who the culprit is and hopefully >> learn why. I found out the culprit. >> >> It may have been caused by me; I have no idea why and more importatnly, I >> do not know why the file was hidden. Here is what I found. >> >> The problem was with folder: >> C:\Windows\CSC\v2.0.6\namespace\3-20-Main\Our Data. I have learned CSC >> stands for Client-Side-Caching; but I am unfamiliar with that concept. >> >> 3-20-Main is the name of one of my Systems and Our Data is the share name >> of the D: drive on that system. There is a folder on that disk called My >> Documents. It is the main file share and is 164 GB. >> >> On the Vista system, the entire Folder structure of the D: drive is under >> the Our Data folder listed above. However, all of the folders except My >> Documents are empty. The My Documents contains 50.8 GB of data, which is >> only part of the 164 GB of data. >> >> What caused the CSC folders to get propagated with the data and why was >> it hidden? >> >> Thank you for your persistence. >> >> Sincerely, >> >> Jeff V. Pulver >> >> >> > > -- > Jane, not plain 64 bit enabled :-) > Batteries not included. Braincell on vacation ;-) > MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
My System Specs

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