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Windows 7 tells me that there is ~25GB free in Local Disc (C:) but when I navigate inside, if I select everything and look at properties, the size is different. Take a look at the screenshot to see what I mean.

Screenshot of problem

Any ideas as to why is this happening? It doesn't make sense.

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4 Answers

up vote 5 down vote

Not everything is included there:

  • The contents of the Recycle Bin (C:/$Recycle.Bin ) (4 GB on my system)
  • System Restore data (C:/System Volume Information) (20 GB on my system)
  • Various other system files.

Tools > Folder Options should have an option to toggle the display of those system files.

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So the "My Computer" window with the size of the Hard Drive in red is the CORRECT size? – Hristo Aug 2 '10 at 17:24
@Hristo: Yes it is. – Macha Aug 2 '10 at 17:40
@Macha... Thanks :) – Hristo Aug 2 '10 at 18:06
all hidden files and system files are visible. inconsistency still present. not sure what is going on. recycle bin is empty. – Hristo Aug 5 '10 at 4:52
How big is the gap now? – Macha Aug 5 '10 at 13:27
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up vote 1 down vote

Are you sure you can see hidden/system files? It seems like I should see a swap file in your root if that was enabled but I don't.

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haha... not my computer... I'll have to check that when I look at the computer again. Thanks – Hristo Aug 2 '10 at 17:24
Dude! why did you vote almost all my post down?(even accepted solutions are -1) This is a community forum design to help each other. – djshortbus Aug 2 '10 at 21:21
@djshortbus: If you were bulk downvoted, the system should detect it, and remove it within 48 hours. – Macha Aug 3 '10 at 15:41
back to the question... yes all hidden/system files are showing. inconsistency still there. – Hristo Aug 5 '10 at 4:52
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up vote 1 down vote

Could also include Data Streams, that aren't shown at all, but are there

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up vote 0 down vote

It's very likely due to automatic backups and system restore snapshots.

Try disabling Shadow Copies and you should see it go up.

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