reported free space on HDD discrepency

[Atropos13]

I was just wondering if anyone could help explain why there is a difference between what Windows Vista reports as what is free on my HDD and what I calculate to be free.

More specifically, I have a 250 GB drive (reported as 232 in Vista of course; format NTFS). On the "Computer" screen, Windows reports that I have 46.4 GB free. When I go into my HDD and choose all the files and folders, right click and select properties, the size that of all the files reported is 155 GB. Now last I checked 232 - 155 = 77, not 46.4. Where the hell are those other 30 GB???

Thanks for any input.

 

[bsobel]

That is the size of all files/folders you have access to. Im guessing (for example) you didn't actually select the system volume information folder or your paging/hibernation file since they are all hidden by default.

 

[TheStu]

Definitely need to include the hidden files and folders.

 

[corkyg]

And, also consider the NFTS overhead - metadata files, and MFT reserved zone.

 

[Atropos13]

Hmmm, I have always had "Show Hidden Files and Folders" checked in the folder options. Is there another way to make sure they are being included?