Computers PC crash and lost disk space

[450SEL6.9]

I had a PC crash on an old computer. Today, it's not even connected to the internet, but back in its day, it was one of the best labtops on the market. Most of my university files are on the PC and I'm hesistant to toss it.

I was transferring some old powerpoint files via iPod to the old PC. It crashed and restarted itself (without me pressing CTRL + ALT + DEL) after the file transfer.

When things got started again, I noticed I lost a lot of the free space on my hard drive. I had about 500 mb free before the crash. Now, I'm left with 300 mb. The files I put on it were like 10 mb total. Anyone know how I can get that 200 mb back?

 

[cawimmer430]

http://www.carspin.net/forums/general-talk/friend-needs-computer-help.0.html

 

[Michael]

Very nice of you wimmer.

I think it may have to do with the fact that, because the PC crashed, it saved reboot files? Not sure. May be wrong.

You can try contacting my friend. He runes www.gilsmethod.com

If you wish, I can PM you his e-mail.

-Mike

 

[450SEL6.9]

Thanks wimmer, that's a super nice gesture! You too, Mike. I don't think I'll need to bother your friend about it just yet.

I was able to recover about 110 mb of the lost space with a freeware program I got off the internet. Thanks for the help!

 

[cawimmer430]

No problem. I know that a lot of the guys on Carspin are computer-nuts so if anyone can give you some good advice, it's them.

 

[MikeJ]

If you're using Windows NT or XP, look for a memory.dmp file in your Windows folder... it contains the contents of your computer's memory at the time of the crash. It should be safe to delete, unless you want an expert to take a look at it.

 

[Michael]

Thanks wimmer, that's a super nice gesture! You too, Mike. I don't think I'll need to bother your friend about it just yet.

I was able to recover about 110 mb of the lost space with a freeware program I got off the internet. Thanks for the help!

Won't be a problem, just ask.

 

[450SEL6.9]

Success! I don't know exactly what happened, but most of that lost space is recovered. I ran basically every freeware disk cleanup program I found, a 7-hr. disk defragmentation and it seems I've recovered all but 40 mb.

I'm guessing there was a temp file somewhere as some of you have suggested.

I also plugged in my iPod and transferred the same files again. Thanks to everyone who took the time to reply.