Hello, I have Windows 7 and would like to ask what files can be removed from the C drive? I have a free 4.00GB/55.5GB. I have already used CCleaner and C drive cleanup on the computer, but I still have little disk space, making the computer run less well. On C is the entire system and I am...

1.You cleaned only regular files or also system files. If not also carry out the latter. 2. Most likely, the most space is taken up by saved system restore points, as long as the system is running smoothly, you can delete them.

Turn off hibernation if you don't use it. Reduce SWAP. Remove the contents of the Windows/SoftwareDistribution/Download directory Remove the contents of TEMP directories. Remove restore points and change the amount of space allocated for them. Uninstall software you are not using.

I am using hibernation, but I can remove this feature due to lack of disk space. To disable hibernation in the cmd command line I type powercfg.exe /hibernate off, and to enable powercfg.exe /hibernate on ?

1. Yes ordinary files, as well as system files 2.System restore point I have no points. There is one, but he does not take 0GB. So I guess it doesn't work Added after 1 [minute]: And what is the point of reducing SWAP ?

How much RAM do you have? How much does the paging (SWAP) file take up now?

RAM 4.00 GB (available 3.90 GB) SWAP file I can't find

Control Panel -> System -> Advanced System Settings -> Advanced -> Settings -> Advanced -> Virtual Memory.

Cleaning Unnecessary Files on C Drive - Windows 7 with 4GB Free Space

alik321 22695 42

Treść została przetłumaczona

Zobacz oryginalną wersję tematu

Reply | New topic

#1 16471434 12 May 2017 11:07

alik321 alik321

Level 6

» |

Post #1
16471434 12 May 2017 11:07

Hello,
I have Windows 7 and would like to ask what files can be removed from the C drive?
I have a free 4.00GB/55.5GB.
I have already used CCleaner and C drive cleanup on the computer, but I still have little disk space, making the computer run less well.
On C is the entire system and I am afraid that I will delete something that is needed.

How can I clean the drive of unnecessary files?
ADVERTISEMENT
#2 16471445 12 May 2017 11:13

Epic Epic

Level 29

» | Helpful post? (+1)

Post #2
16471445 12 May 2017 11:13

1.You cleaned only regular files or also system files. If not also carry out the latter.
2. Most likely, the most space is taken up by saved system restore points, as long as the system is running smoothly, you can delete them.
#3 16471449 12 May 2017 11:15

Kasek21 Kasek21

Level 43

» | Helpful post? (+2)

Post #3
16471449 12 May 2017 11:15

Turn off hibernation if you don't use it.
Reduce SWAP.
Remove the contents of the Windows/SoftwareDistribution/Download directory
Remove the contents of TEMP directories.
Remove restore points and change the amount of space allocated for them.
Uninstall software you are not using.
ADVERTISEMENT
#4 16471504 12 May 2017 11:43

alik321 alik321

Level 6

» | Topic author Helpful post? (+2)

Post #4
16471504 12 May 2017 11:43

Kasek21 wrote:
Disable hibernation if you don't use it.
Reduce SWAP.
Remove the contents of the Windows/SoftwareDistribution/Download directory
Remove the contents of the TEMP directories.
Remove restore points and change the amount of space allocated for them.
Uninstall the software you are not using.

I am using hibernation, but I can remove this feature due to lack of disk space. To disable hibernation in the cmd command line I type powercfg.exe /hibernate off, and to enable powercfg.exe /hibernate on ?
#5 16471506 12 May 2017 11:45

Kasek21 Kasek21

Level 43

» | Helpful post? (+1)

Post #5
16471506 12 May 2017 11:45

alik321 wrote:
To disable hibernation at the cmd command line, does he type powercfg.exe /hibernate off, and to enable powercfg.exe /hibernate on ?

Yes.
#6 16471507 12 May 2017 11:47

alik321 alik321

Level 6

» | Topic author Helpful post? (0)

Post #6
16471507 12 May 2017 11:47

Epic wrote:
1. Did you purge only regular files or also system files. If not also carry out the latter.
2. Most likely, the most space is taken up by saved system restore points, as long as the system is running smoothly, you can delete them.

1. Yes ordinary files, as well as system files
2.System restore point I have no points. There is one, but he does not take 0GB. So I guess it doesn't work

Added after 1 [minute]:

Kasek21 wrote:
Disable hibernation if not using.
Reduce SWAP.
Remove the contents of the Windows/SoftwareDistribution/Download directory
Remove the contents of the TEMP directories.
Remove restore points and change the amount of space allocated for them.
Uninstall the software you are not using.

And what is the point of reducing SWAP ?
#7 16471515 12 May 2017 11:49

Kasek21 Kasek21

Level 43

» | Helpful post? (0)

Post #7
16471515 12 May 2017 11:49

How much RAM do you have?
How much does the paging (SWAP) file take up now?
#8 16471527 12 May 2017 11:58

alik321 alik321

Level 6

» | Topic author Helpful post? (0)

Post #8
16471527 12 May 2017 11:58

Kasek21 wrote:
How much RAM do you have?
How much does the paging (SWAP) file take up now?

RAM 4.00 GB (available 3.90 GB)
SWAP file I can't find
#9 16471543 12 May 2017 12:08

Kasek21 Kasek21

Level 43

» | Helpful post? (0)

Post #9
16471543 12 May 2017 12:08

Control Panel -> System -> Advanced System Settings -> Advanced -> Settings -> Advanced -> Virtual Memory.
#10 16471550 12 May 2017 12:10

alik321 alik321

Level 6

» | Topic author Helpful post? (+1)

Post #10
16471550 12 May 2017 12:10

Kasek21 wrote:
Control Panel -> System -> Advanced System Settings -> Advanced -> Settings -> Advanced -> Virtual Memory.

3993 MB
#11 16471555 12 May 2017 12:11

Kasek21 Kasek21

Level 43

» | Helpful post? (0)

Post #11
16471555 12 May 2017 12:11

You can set it to 2048MB.
#12 16471582 12 May 2017 12:23

alik321 alik321

Level 6

» | Topic author Helpful post? (0)

Post #12
16471582 12 May 2017 12:23

Kasek21 wrote:
You can set it to 2048MB.

Maximum size?
#13 16471584 12 May 2017 12:25

Kasek21 Kasek21

Level 43

» | Helpful post? (0)

Post #13
16471584 12 May 2017 12:25

Set the initial size and maximum size the same, that is, to 2048.
#14 16471619 12 May 2017 12:43

Matuzalem Matuzalem

Level 43

» | Helpful post? (0)

Post #14
16471619 12 May 2017 12:43

To do without guessing in questions and cycling in answers, please use here: https://windirstat.net/ tool available and present, as a snapshot, what the program window will show (including the view at levels lower than folders).
ADVERTISEMENT
#15 16471620 12 May 2017 12:43

Epic Epic

Level 29

» | Helpful post? (0)

Post #15
16471620 12 May 2017 12:43

Run a disk scan with all options checked. Restart the computer and when the scan is finished, see if the amount of space has not changed.

Sometimes as a result, errors, free space may be treated as occupied scan can fix this.
#16 16471909 12 May 2017 15:50

alik321 alik321

Level 6

» | Topic author Helpful post? (0)

Post #16
16471909 12 May 2017 15:50

Epic wrote:
Run the disk scan with all options checked. Restart your computer and when the scan is complete, see if the amount of space has changed.

Sometimes due to, errors free space can be treated as occupied scan can fix this.

http://www.instalki.pl/demonstracje/systemowe...nie-dysku-twardego-w-poszukiwaniu-bledow.html

In this way?

Added after 18 [minutes]:

Matuzalem wrote:
To do without guessing in questions and cycling in answers, please use here: https://windirstat.net/ tool available and present, as a snapshot, what the program window will show (including the view at levels lower than folders).
#17 16471937 12 May 2017 15:53

Kasek21 Kasek21

Level 43

» | Helpful post? (+1)

Post #17
16471937 12 May 2017 15:53

Clear the recycle garbage can

What in the Users directory is taking up so much space? Post a screen shot of the program.
#18 16471944 12 May 2017 15:56

Epic Epic

Level 29

» | Helpful post? (0)

Post #18
16471944 12 May 2017 15:56

alik321 wrote:
http://www.instalki.pl/demonst...ego-w-poszukiwaniu-bledow.html

This way?

Yes, checking both options.

What about the screenshots from WinDirStat show the expanded Windows, Users and Program Files folders, as recommended by @Matuzalem .
#19 16471954 12 May 2017 16:05

alik321 alik321

Level 6

» | Topic author Helpful post? (0)

Post #19
16471954 12 May 2017 16:05

This is from the Windows folder

Added after 3 [minutes]:

Program files
#20 16471969 12 May 2017 16:08

Kasek21 Kasek21

Level 43

» | Helpful post? (0)

Post #20
16471969 12 May 2017 16:08

Post the contents of the Users directory yet.
#21 16471973 12 May 2017 16:10

alik321 alik321

Level 6

» | Topic author Helpful post? (0)

Post #21
16471973 12 May 2017 16:10

In Users this file takes up the most space
#22 16471989 12 May 2017 16:16

maxmario maxmario

Level 12

» | Helpful post? (+1)

Post #22
16471989 12 May 2017 16:16

And just out of curiosity with the windows program you used? right click on the drive c: ->properties (general) ->disk cleanup -> more options tab -> System Restore and background copies clean button and on the cleanup tab select the appropriate items and OK

empty the folders:
C:usernameAppDataLocalTemp
C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution
Download.
#23 16471998 12 May 2017 16:20

alik321 alik321

Level 6

» | Topic author Helpful post? (+1)

Post #23
16471998 12 May 2017 16:20

maxmario wrote:
And just out of curiosity with windows program did you use? right click on drive c: ->properties (general) ->disk cleanup -> more options tab -> System Restore and background copies clean button and on the cleanup tab select the appropriate items and OK

empty the folders:
C:AppData
ADVERTISEMENT
#24 16472002 12 May 2017 16:21

maxmario maxmario

Level 12

» | Helpful post? (0)

Post #24
16472002 12 May 2017 16:21

clean up your system files it will come up
#25 16472008 12 May 2017 16:24

Kasek21 Kasek21

Level 43

» | Helpful post? (+1)

Post #25
16472008 12 May 2017 16:24

alik321 wrote:
There is no system restore tab, then what should I take?
System restore is enabled - if not then it won't appear
Overall is Ok and you can leave it that way.
#26 16472010 12 May 2017 16:25

alik321 alik321

Level 6

» | Topic author Helpful post? (0)

Post #26
16472010 12 May 2017 16:25

maxmario wrote:
clean system files it will come up

I cleaned it up, but it took up nothing

Added after 1 [minute]:

maxmario wrote:
And just out of curiosity what windows program did you use? Right click on disk c: ->properties (general) ->disk cleanup -> more options tab -> System Restore and background copies clean button and on the cleanup tab select the appropriate items and OK

empty the folders:
C:
Users user nameAppData\LocalTemp
C:
Windows softwareDistributionDownload

Can I safely delete files from the folder C:
Users user nameAppData\LocalTemp ?
#27 16472017 12 May 2017 16:27

maxmario maxmario

Level 12

» | Helpful post? (0)

Post #27
16472017 12 May 2017 16:27

alik321 wrote:

Can I safely delete the files in the C:³³³³ folder ?

yes you can delete the entire contents.
#28 16472021 12 May 2017 16:28

Kasek21 Kasek21

Level 43

» | Helpful post? (0)

Post #28
16472021 12 May 2017 16:28

alik321 wrote:
Can I safely delete the files in the C:³³³³Admin³AppData³LocalTemp folder ?
Yes.

alik321 wrote:
I have a free 4.00GB/55.5GB

How much is there now?

Updates + some apps do their thing and 55GB on the system partition is such a minimum for the system.

This system partition is on an SSD or HDD?
#29 16472037 12 May 2017 16:39

alik321 alik321

Level 6

» | Topic author Helpful post? (0)

Post #29
16472037 12 May 2017 16:39

Kasek21 wrote:

alik321 wrote:
Can I safely delete the files from the C:³³³³ folder ?

Yes

alik321 wrote:
I have 4.00GB/55.5GB free

How much is there now ?

12.8GB
Updates + some applications are doing their thing and 55GB on the system partition is such a minimum for the system.

This system partition is on SSD or HDD?

and how to check?
#30 16472080 12 May 2017 17:08

Kasek21 Kasek21

Level 43

» | Helpful post? (0)

Post #30
16472080 12 May 2017 17:08

I understand that you now have 12.8GB of free space? This is OK with a 55GB system partition.

alik321 wrote:
and how to check?

What how to check?

Do you have an SSD? If not then it doesn't matter.
Create an account, log in and become active in a forum and ads will not appear. You will receive points by participating in discussions.
Join this discussion.

Install the application

Reply | New topic

Report a violation of the law

Topic summary

The discussion revolves around optimizing disk space on a Windows 7 system with limited free space (4GB out of 55.5GB). Users suggest various methods to clean unnecessary files from the C drive, including removing system restore points, disabling hibernation, clearing TEMP directories, and uninstalling unused software. Tools like CCleaner and WinDirStat are recommended for analyzing disk usage. Users also discuss managing the SWAP file size and the importance of maintaining sufficient free space for system performance. The conversation includes inquiries about safely deleting specific files and the implications of system backups.
Summary generated by the language model.

FAQ

TL;DR: Freeing 8-13 GB (15-24 % of a 55 GB system partition) is typical after deleting TEMP, SoftwareDistribution and hibernation files. "55 GB on the system partition is such a minimum" [Elektroda, Kasek21, post #16472021] Run Disk Cleanup, disable hiberfile, then audit with WinDirStat.

Why it matters: More than 10 % free space keeps Windows Updates, paging and defragmentation working without slow-downs.

Quick Facts

• Hibernation file = installed RAM (4 GB shown) [Microsoft Docs, 2023].
• Pagefile guideline: 1–1.5 × RAM; min 1 GB [Microsoft Docs, 2023].
• System Restore can use up to 5 % of drive by default [Microsoft Support, 2021].
• Windows 7 clean install: approx. 18–20 GB footprint [Microsoft Docs, 2020].
• Windows Update needs at least 2 GB (≈5 %) free to complete successfully [Microsoft Support, 2022].

Which Windows 7 folders are safe to clear for quick space gains?

Delete Recycle Bin, C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download, C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Temp, browser caches and old restore points. These held over 8 GB in the thread example [Elektroda, alik321, post #16471909] Always close running apps first.

How do I disable or re-enable hibernation?

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

powercfg.exe /hibernate off – removes hiberfil.sys (saves RAM size of space).
powercfg.exe /hibernate on – restores it when needed [Elektroda, alik321, post #16471504]

What paging-file size suits 4 GB RAM?

Set both initial and maximum size to 2048 MB to halve disk usage yet keep stability [Elektroda, Kasek21, post #16471584] Microsoft recommends at least 1 GB or RAM size whichever is larger [Microsoft Docs, 2023].

Is it safe to empty C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download?

Yes. The folder only stores downloaded update packages; Windows rebuilds it after the next scan [Microsoft Support, 2022]. Stop the Windows Update service first for stubborn files.

Can I wipe everything in the Temp folders?

Yes. Items in %TEMP% and AppData\Local\Temp are disposable once applications close [Elektroda, maxmario, post #16472017] Skip files that report “in use.”

How do I shrink space used by System Restore?

Control Panel → System → System Protection → Configure. Move the slider to 2–3 GB (≈4–6 % of 55 GB). Keep at least one restore point for safety [Microsoft Support, 2021].

Should I delete old Windows Backup or system-image files?

Use Control Panel → Backup and Restore → Manage space. Remove failed images like the 568 MB orphan shown in the thread [Elektroda, alik321, post #16472169] Deleting files manually can corrupt catalog data.

Are .cab or .zip caches under ProgramData safe to remove?

Only delete them if you uninstall the related software. The Adobe and Visual C++ cab files listed store installer data; removing them breaks repair/uninstall options [Adobe KB, 2022].

How can I tell if my C: drive is SSD or HDD?

Press Win+R → dfrgui. The Optimise Drives window labels media type as “Solid-state drive” or “Hard disk” [Microsoft Docs, 2020]. Disabling defrag on SSDs prevents unnecessary writes.

What happens if Windows runs out of virtual memory after you shrink the pagefile?

Programs may crash with “Out of memory” errors. Re-enable “System managed size” or raise the pagefile to 1.5 × RAM immediately [Microsoft Docs, 2023].

3-step: Find space hogs with WinDirStat

Run WinDirStat as Administrator.
Select C: and wait for the treemap.
Right-click largest blocks → Explore here → decide to delete or move [Elektroda, Matuzalem, post #16471619]

What free-space level keeps Windows 7 healthy?

Maintain at least 10 % free. Below 5 %, Windows Update and defragmenter can fail [Microsoft Support, 2022]. The user’s system stabilised once free space rose from 4 GB to 13 GB (24 %) [Elektroda, alik321, post #16472113]

Edge case: Does disabling hibernation break anything?

Hibernation controls Fast Startup on newer hardware and hybrid sleep. Laptops lose the ability to save battery-critical state when off [Microsoft Docs, 2023]. Re-enable before lengthy battery use.

How do I move Documents or Desktop to another drive?

Right-click the library → Properties → Location → Move… Select D:\. Windows updates shortcuts automatically [Download.net tutorial, 2014].

Are third-party cleaners like CCleaner or PrivaZer safe?

CCleaner’s standard scan is generally safe but has caused registry issues in rare cases [Avast Advisory, 2022]. PrivaZer offers deeper cleaning; back up or create a restore point first [Elektroda, pidar, post #16476130]