Author Topic: Hard Drives & other computer questions (Read 8119 times)

poonico · « **on:** November 11, 2009, 03:03:13 PM »

Okay, I either need to find a way to make my computer work for me, or find a way to shell out some cash that I don't have for a new computer

I would appreciate any help I can get.

I simply don't have room to run things anymore.

c: 15.00 GB - 947 MB free YIKES!
d: 98.61 GB - 5.91 GB free

1st Question... is there any way to use my d: to pick up the slack? I have tons of stuff just stored on there. Much of which I'd be happy to delete if it's possible to use it to help.

Is this computer worth keeping? Or do I really just need a new computer? If so, how can I get one that will last that's affordable? (3 kids, so this is low on the priority list)

I do a lot of photo editing/storing.

I'm also open to a laptop if it can keep up. I just want to be practical as well.

Here are some of my comp stats (per Belarc)

Processor
2.80 gigahertz Intel Pentium 4
8 kilobyte primary memory cache
512 kilobyte secondary memory cache
Hyper-threaded (2 total)

Main Circuit Board
Board: ASUSTek Computer Inc. P4SD-VX
Bus Clock: 200 megahertz
BIOS: American Megatrends Inc. 2002 09/19/2003

Memory Modules
512 Megabytes Usable Installed Memory
Slot 'DIMM0' has 256 MB
Slot 'DIMM1' is Empty
Slot 'DIMM2' has 256 MB
Slot 'DIMM3' is Empty

Allan · « **Reply #1 on:** November 11, 2009, 03:06:09 PM »

You can move your My Documents folder to d: as well as the Temporary Internet Files Folder. You can disable System Restore on c: drive and start using a disk imaging utility on a regular basis. Without knowing what else is on c: drive it's tough to say what else you can do. Is d: a separate drive or a partition?

poonico · « **Reply #2 on:** November 11, 2009, 03:08:45 PM »

how can i find out if it's a partition... i keep most of my documents on the d:, how can i move my temp files there?

poonico · « **Reply #3 on:** November 11, 2009, 03:09:10 PM »

thank you btw

Allan · « **Reply #4 on:** November 11, 2009, 03:11:03 PM »

Do you have two physical hard drives or one? If you don't know, look in device manager.

And to move your temporary internet files folder, use Control Panel - Internet Options.

poonico · « **Reply #5 on:** November 11, 2009, 03:17:14 PM »

i moved the file folder, thank you..

i'm in my device manager, but i'm not sure what i'm looking at or for

Allan · « **Reply #6 on:** November 11, 2009, 03:18:48 PM »

Disc Drives. How many are listed?

Geek-9pm · « **Reply #7 on:** November 11, 2009, 03:20:42 PM »

Welcome to CH, There are people here who will help you.
The computer yew have it fine.
How did you get so much stuff?
You can use the free space on the D: drive. But you need to free up some more room. The system works better if there is a little more free space on the drives.

It will help you identify the huge program and data the take up a lot of space, you may want to try the Sequoia program. It gives you a birds=eye view of the file sizes on you computer.

http://w3.win.tue.nl/nl/onderzoek/onderzoek_informatica/visualization/sequoiaview/

Sometimes you will discover old movie files you never use, old backups that are out of date, and downloads that you don't need anymore.

And if you do that, I will give you permission to see this helpful movie with a cute girl. She has a n answer to you question.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zETjVSRF7Xg

Please come back again.

poonico · « **Reply #8 on:** November 11, 2009, 03:25:00 PM »

I see these

HP Photosmart C6200 USB Device [Hard drive] -- drive 5
SAMSUNG SP1203N [Hard drive] (120.06 GB) -- drive 0
Sony UMH-U HS-CF USB Device [Hard drive] -- drive 2
Sony UMH-U HS-MS USB Device [Hard drive] -- drive 1
Sony UMH-U HS-SM USB Device [Hard drive] -- drive 3
TOSHIBA TransMemory USB Device [Hard drive] (2.01 GB) -- drive 4

Allan · « **Reply #9 on:** November 11, 2009, 03:26:32 PM »

Okay, you have only one hard disk with two partitions. You can use a utility like Easus Partition Manager (it's free) to take free space from D: drive and move it to c: drive. Before doing any hard drive level function you should backup any critical data to off disc media (dvd, cd, etc).

poonico · « **Reply #10 on:** November 11, 2009, 04:15:50 PM »

okay, i'm going to try all of these things ty ty ty

also, for the partitions, i need to back up all of my important stuff? (for me it's mostly just my photos)

i have like an auto restore thing (hit a button on start up) to restore my comp to factory.. will it mess with that? it has saved my *censored* a time or two and i'd hate to lose it

Allan · « **Reply #11 on:** November 11, 2009, 04:21:38 PM »

While space reallocation is generally a safe process, if the system is shut down while modifying the partitions (power outage, etc) there can be problems. And sometimes, though rarely, the reallocation of space process can go wrong. I'm not trying to frighten you - I've done this dozens of times and never had any problem whatsoever - but better safe than sorry. And no, I don't see how this would effect the auto-restore, but I'd much rather see you start to use a disc imaging utility on a regular basis. There are some good free ones and they will "save your *censored*" a lot better than restoring to factory default. Look into them - they are invaluable - everyone should use one.

poonico · « **Reply #12 on:** November 11, 2009, 04:26:32 PM »

How do I find something/do something like that?

Sorry for all of the questions. If I can get this girl to work for me, I'll be one happy camper!

Allan · « **Reply #13 on:** November 11, 2009, 04:27:04 PM »

http://www.thefreecountry.com/utilities/backupandimage.shtml

patio · « **Reply #14 on:** November 11, 2009, 04:29:21 PM »

Buy a new HDD...
Use the new HDD's FREE diagnostic app to "clone" the old drive to the new drive...
Power down.
Disconnect the old drive and connect the new drive as master...
Test all apps and OS to make sure everything works...
Re-connect old drive...format it and use it for extra storage....

Total time invested: about 1 1/2 hours.

Allan · « **Reply #15 on:** November 11, 2009, 04:31:01 PM »

I have to agree that spending the money for a new hd is really the best option. Just that in your first post you said you were trying to avoid spending money.

patio · « **Reply #16 on:** November 11, 2009, 04:34:27 PM »

Quote

or find a way to shell out some cash that I don't have for a new computer

He stated he didn't want to spend the cabbage for a new PC...not neccessarily a new HDD...

Allan · « **Reply #17 on:** November 11, 2009, 04:37:47 PM »

details, details

patio · « **Reply #18 on:** November 11, 2009, 04:44:40 PM »

You started it.....

Allan · « **Reply #19 on:** November 11, 2009, 04:46:46 PM »

uncle (for now

)

poonico · « **Reply #20 on:** November 11, 2009, 04:49:36 PM »

more to check out

you guys rock

ty

it's helping btw

c: 15.00 GB 1.31 GB free
d: 98.61 GB 37.00 GB free

I'm a she btw

could be why i'm so slow

poonico · « **Reply #21 on:** November 11, 2009, 04:51:41 PM »

Quote from: Allan on November 11, 2009, 04:37:47 PM

details, details

awww, i'm not opposed to upgrading this one if it will make it last me longer and be much cheaper than having to get a new computer....

making this one work for me would be ideal though, if possible

Allan · « **Reply #22 on:** November 11, 2009, 04:52:49 PM »

Quote from: poonico on November 11, 2009, 04:49:36 PM

I'm a she btw could be why i'm so slow

Only if you're blonde

And sorry for the sexist assumption on my (our) part. It just gets so old saying "he or she", even though it's pc.

poonico · « **Reply #23 on:** November 11, 2009, 04:54:18 PM »

I like to consider it light brown

my husband may say that it doesn't matter though, lol

Computer_Commando · « **Reply #24 on:** November 11, 2009, 04:56:08 PM »

Download and install this and do some housecleaning.

Allan · « **Reply #25 on:** November 11, 2009, 04:56:26 PM »

I'm logging off for the night, but do post back and let us know how things are going.

poonico · « **Reply #26 on:** November 11, 2009, 04:58:19 PM »

I will, thank you so much

Hopefully I can find an easy way to back up some things... though really I have been lazy and just need to transfer my photos to disk.... too many

Computer_Commando · « **Reply #27 on:** November 11, 2009, 05:01:34 PM »

You should make backups of your data in case the hard drive dies, which it will do eventually.

poonico · « **Reply #28 on:** November 11, 2009, 05:06:04 PM »

quick Q for anyone still around...

i evidently have arounf 115 GB to work with and partition....

any idea on how to divide it up to work best? I'd still like to hold my photos and what not on d: I'm comfortable with that.

patio · « **Reply #29 on:** November 11, 2009, 05:07:28 PM »

40 to 50 Bucks these days will get you more HDD space than you will use up in awhile...

Just a thought.

Computer_Commando · « **Reply #30 on:** November 11, 2009, 05:15:41 PM »

Quote from: poonico on November 11, 2009, 05:06:04 PM

quick Q for anyone still around...

i evidently have arounf 115 GB to work with and partition....

any idea on how to divide it up to work best? I'd still like to hold my photos and what not on d: I'm comfortable with that.

C-OS, Apps
D-Data
Get TweakUI to manage the folder locations. See the My Computer tab.

Allan · « **Reply #31 on:** November 12, 2009, 05:56:23 AM »

If you don't want to follow patio's advice and get another hd, moving anywhere from 20-40 Gb from D: to C: should be fine.

poonico · « **Reply #32 on:** November 12, 2009, 06:00:37 AM »

is an external HD okay?

I haven't opened up a computer in ages and with 3 kids running around, anything could go wrong.

also, is there an easy dvd maker of some sort? just to do my data? I think i have a copy of roxio around here, but we never got along well, which is why it's not on here now.

Allan · « **Reply #33 on:** November 12, 2009, 06:06:15 AM »

An external drive is a perfect solution for you if you think you have enough room on your system partition / drive for now. And if you just want to copy data to a dvd, use Windows Explorer. For more comprehensive backups I STRONGLY urge you to get a disc imaging utility. Acronis True Image is not free but it's the best. Some free alternatives: http://www.thefreecountry.com/utilities/backupandimage.shtml

poonico · « **Reply #34 on:** November 12, 2009, 06:25:59 AM »

great, so let's say i put half of my current space on c: and half on d: and then get an external HD.... if i put most of my data on that (external) *should* this computer be enough to last me a good while longer?

I know I'll have to get a new one eventually, but perhaps that's something I can just begin to put away for so that it's less painful, lol.

you guys have been great helps btw!

i started with this (a few days ago)
c: 15.00 GB 326 MB free
d: 98.61 GB 5.98 GB free

came here with this:
c: 15.00 GB 947 MB free
d: 98.61 GB 5.91 GB free

and so far, have this:
c: 15.00 GB 3.90 GB free
d: 98.61 GB 37.25 GB free

Most of the D: is photos :|

Allan · « **Reply #35 on:** November 12, 2009, 06:31:30 AM »

Computers can last MANY years --- as long as they continue to serve your purpose. Disc space is no reason to consider spending money on a new system. I'm a tech guy and love my toys - so every couple of years I add another system to my collection. But for the average user there's no reason to upgrade unless there's a reason to upgrade - if you know what I mean.

poonico · « **Reply #36 on:** November 12, 2009, 06:37:25 AM »

thank you

I'll see about ordering an external drive (any recs for good brands/buys?) and I'm going to work on backing up my data today...

I'll def. post an update when I get this all sorted out.

BTW, so jealous of being a tech lovin' person... I miss those days *dreams*.... I use to love my gadgets, but kids and a modest lifestyle took over

I love them more, but it's always fun when I get something new that I can play with, lol.

Allan · « **Reply #37 on:** November 12, 2009, 06:46:36 AM »

I'm older than you are darlin' and I assure you - once a kid, always a kid

I've always loved my toys.

Pick any brand name for the external drive and you'll be fine. I use both Maxtor and Western Digital (my book line).

BC_Programmer · « **Reply #38 on:** November 12, 2009, 09:26:08 AM »

I was using a system from 1999 until relatively recently, and I know somebody who is quite computer-savvy who uses nearly the same setup as I had. Of course once I started to have extra money I inevitably poured it into a new system... twice now, actually. my last one I built myself

I can definitely vouch for Western Digital, I had a 286 with a 40MB WD drive in it that was working fine when I tore it apart, at which time I believe it was nearly 20 years old(!). Quite tough little drives from what I can tell. I haven't any experience with the "mybook" line, but if they are anything like their internal offerings (and I have no reason to think otherwise) then I doubt you'll be disappointed.

Geek-9pm · « **Reply #39 on:** November 12, 2009, 01:01:38 PM »

Quote

I haven't opened up a computer in ages and with 3 kids running around, anything could go wrong.

Use Duct Tape!
Wrap the kinds in it.

Just joking!

Computer Hope Forum

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Author Topic: Hard Drives & other computer questions (Read 8119 times)

poonico

Allan

poonico

poonico

Allan

poonico

Allan

Geek-9pm

poonico

Allan

poonico

Allan

poonico

Allan

patio

Allan

patio

Allan

patio

Allan

poonico

poonico

Allan

poonico

Computer_Commando

Allan

poonico

Computer_Commando

poonico

patio

Computer_Commando

Allan

poonico

Allan

poonico

Allan

poonico

Allan

BC_Programmer

Geek-9pm