30GB Hidden File

My C: drive has a hidden 30GB file. When I select all files and folders and
check the properties they total 16.9GB. However, when I check the properties
of the C: drive it shows used space of 46.3GB. I have "show hidden files"
selected as well as "show system files". I have run defrag which shows an
extremely large file scattered throughout the entire drive but is not able
to defrag. I have run a virus scan with no viruses found. I have cleaned up
all system restore points and the recycle bin is empty. When I run a search
for files of any type (*.*) over 100MB nothing is found. I have removed all
extraneous software but no noticable change.

Any ideas?

Found my own answer - Norton 2003! It's Protected Recycle Bin was the
culprit. I run a backup to disk every night which overwrites the existing
backup file. I can only assume that Norton was saving the files instead of
letting them be deleted (9GB per file). By using NTBACKUP I was able to
discover that the RECYCLER was the large folder even though Explorer didn't
show it.

"JR" wrote in message
...
My C: drive has a hidden 30GB file. When I select all files and folders
and
check the properties they total 16.9GB. However, when I check the
properties
of the C: drive it shows used space of 46.3GB. I have "show hidden files"
selected as well as "show system files". I have run defrag which shows an
extremely large file scattered throughout the entire drive but is not able
to defrag. I have run a virus scan with no viruses found. I have cleaned
up
all system restore points and the recycle bin is empty. When I run a
search
for files of any type (*.*) over 100MB nothing is found. I have removed
all
extraneous software but no noticable change.

Any ideas?

"JR" wrote in message
...
Found my own answer - Norton 2003! It's Protected Recycle Bin was the
culprit. I run a backup to disk every night which overwrites the existing
backup file. I can only assume that Norton was saving the files instead of
letting them be deleted (9GB per file). By using NTBACKUP I was able to
discover that the RECYCLER was the large folder even though Explorer
didn't
show it.


The Norton Protected Recycle Bin is a useful application for those who
delete files without thinking and then empty the recycle bin.
If you do not have this problem, you can disable the Norton safety net for
confused computer users.

Don