There are a number of reasons low disk space problems can occur. Simple cleanup procedures can eliminate unneeded files, freeing up disk space for other uses. This checklist covers procedures to free up disk space. It does not cover deleting personal files, such as music or video files. See Windows Help for assistance deleting personal files.

Music and video files, such as movies or video files created by webcams, can consume large amounts of disk space. Webcams, turned on and configured to stream video to the hard drive, can fill the drive in a few hours. Make sure to turn off the webcam when not in use and delete unneeded video and webcam files.

Remove unused programs

1. From the Windows Vista default Start menu, click Control Panel.
2. In the Control Panel window, click Uninstall a Program.>.
3. In the Programs and Features window, select the program you wish to remove, and then click Uninstall. Repeat this step for each program you wish to remove.
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Remove unnecessary files

If you want to reduce the number of unnecessary files on your hard disk to free up disk space and help your computer run faster, use Disk Cleanup. It removes temporary files, empties the Recycle Bin, and removes a variety of system files and other items that you no longer need.

1. From the Windows Vista default Start menu, point to All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and then click Disk Cleanup.
2. In the Disk Cleanup Options dialog box, select the appropriate action.
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   Note: If the User Account Control dialog box appears, click Continue.

3. In the Disk Cleanup : Drive Selection dialog box, in the Drives list, click drive C:, and then click OK.
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4. In the Disk Cleanup for (C:) dialog box, select the appropriate files to delete, and then click OK.
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5. In the Disk Cleanup : Drive Selection dialog box, click the More Options tab for more information.
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6. In the Disk Cleanup dialog box, click Delete Files.
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Note: If there are multiple hard drive partitions, you can repeat the procedure selecting the drive letter of another partition. Do not select the Recovery partition. If you do accidentally select the recovery partition, the files will not be deleted.

Run Disk Defragmenter

Disk Defragmenter consolidates fragmented files and folders on your computer's hard drive so that each occupies a single, contiguous space on the volume. As a result, your computer can gain access to your files and folders and save new ones more efficiently. By consolidating your files and folders, Disk Defragmenter also consolidates the volume's free space, making it less likely that new files are fragmented.

To run Disk Defragmenter from the Start Menu, follow these steps:

Note: The following screens may vary slightly, depending on which options are selected.

1. From the Windows Vista default Start menu, click All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and then click Disk Defragmenter.

2. In the User Account Control dialog box, click Continue.

3. In the Disk Defragmenter window, select the appropriate option.

   

   Modify Schedule
   Defragment Now

   Running Disk Defragmenter from Command Prompt

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