F5F Stay Refreshed Software Operating Systems 30 GB of data not found

30 GB of data not found

30 GB of data not found

L
Lieezy
Member
64
02-22-2026, 04:28 AM
#1
I recently wiped my C:\ (ssd) partition and observed missing data. I enabled hidden files, cleared the recycle bin. Total files amount to 37 GB yet the system shows 68 GB used. This drive holds Windows, drivers, and other small programs you frequently use—never reaching 60 GB. Where can these files be located? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
L
Lieezy
02-22-2026, 04:28 AM #1

I recently wiped my C:\ (ssd) partition and observed missing data. I enabled hidden files, cleared the recycle bin. Total files amount to 37 GB yet the system shows 68 GB used. This drive holds Windows, drivers, and other small programs you frequently use—never reaching 60 GB. Where can these files be located? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

C
chris66072
Member
156
02-22-2026, 11:34 AM
#2
I'm not sure what you're referring to. I don't recommend using CCleaner since it's mainly a registry cleaner. Microsoft has previously criticized it. For just file cleaning, it's okay. My suggestion is to restart your computer and see if it helps. If that doesn't resolve the issue, there might be something in the registry—similar to /etc in Linux. All settings are stored there. If you ran a system restore, that could also help. Good luck!
C
chris66072
02-22-2026, 11:34 AM #2

I'm not sure what you're referring to. I don't recommend using CCleaner since it's mainly a registry cleaner. Microsoft has previously criticized it. For just file cleaning, it's okay. My suggestion is to restart your computer and see if it helps. If that doesn't resolve the issue, there might be something in the registry—similar to /etc in Linux. All settings are stored there. If you ran a system restore, that could also help. Good luck!

K
krille96an
Junior Member
40
02-22-2026, 12:04 PM
#3
I haven't updated any databases. Just removed files and folders from the storage.
K
krille96an
02-22-2026, 12:04 PM #3

I haven't updated any databases. Just removed files and folders from the storage.

M
Mastera616
Member
163
02-23-2026, 01:09 AM
#4
It seems like you're referring to a backup partition containing system files. A good tool for locating such partitions is Windirstat.
M
Mastera616
02-23-2026, 01:09 AM #4

It seems like you're referring to a backup partition containing system files. A good tool for locating such partitions is Windirstat.

N
NoahPvPMC
Junior Member
35
02-23-2026, 10:04 AM
#5
Are you running the latest and most complete version of Windows 7? I recall using it with similar problems but it displayed more available space than needed. It shouldn't cause concern. According to @SageOfSpice, WinDirStat could help identify the largest files and folders to clarify what's happening on your system.
N
NoahPvPMC
02-23-2026, 10:04 AM #5

Are you running the latest and most complete version of Windows 7? I recall using it with similar problems but it displayed more available space than needed. It shouldn't cause concern. According to @SageOfSpice, WinDirStat could help identify the largest files and folders to clarify what's happening on your system.

P
Pawtuket
Junior Member
17
02-24-2026, 11:46 AM
#6
Please confirm if it's safe to remove those files.
P
Pawtuket
02-24-2026, 11:46 AM #6

Please confirm if it's safe to remove those files.

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_HarryMan_
Member
66
02-24-2026, 12:57 PM
#7
The pagefile.sys file manages memory swapping when RAM is full. You can adjust its size in the control panel (Windows 10: System > Advanced Settings > Performance tab). For laptops, using hiberfil.sys is common during hibernation. Desktop users may not hibernate, so settings differ. Hibernation options can be changed via Control Panel, and power plans might need updates afterward. Disabling hibernation globally usually removes the file.
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_HarryMan_
02-24-2026, 12:57 PM #7

The pagefile.sys file manages memory swapping when RAM is full. You can adjust its size in the control panel (Windows 10: System > Advanced Settings > Performance tab). For laptops, using hiberfil.sys is common during hibernation. Desktop users may not hibernate, so settings differ. Hibernation options can be changed via Control Panel, and power plans might need updates afterward. Disabling hibernation globally usually removes the file.