Unlock Hidden Disk Space on Dell Latitude D800

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the issue of hidden disk space on a Dell Latitude D800 laptop. Participants explore the discrepancy between the reported hard drive capacity and the actual usable space, focusing on how to access and allocate the unallocated disk space without reformatting the drive.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant discovered that their hard drive has 60GB total capacity, but only 20GB is accessible, leading to questions about the hidden space.
  • Another participant provided steps to access the unallocated space through disk management tools.
  • There are suggestions on whether to create a new partition or merge existing ones to utilize the unallocated space.
  • Some participants caution against merging primary partitions due to potential risks to the system.
  • Others argue that merging partitions can be done safely with the right tools, although it is noted that this practice carries risks.
  • One participant mentions the possibility of deleting an unused partition to extend the system partition instead.
  • Another participant discusses the usage of both partitions for different types of files, indicating a practical approach to managing disk space.
  • There are comments about the presence of hidden files and temporary documents that could be consuming space, although one participant disputes this claim regarding their own usage.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the best approach to managing the unallocated disk space, with no clear consensus on whether merging partitions is advisable or safe. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal method to utilize the hidden space.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various tools and methods for managing disk partitions, but there are unresolved concerns about the risks associated with partition editing and the specific conditions under which these actions should be taken.

rocketboy
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Ok, so up until this morning I thought my hard drive was only 20GB (Dell Latitude D800), because that is the size of my C drive and no other drives are visible when I open My Computer.

But this morning I was thinking there is no way my computer only came with 20GB, so I went into the System BIOS and found out that I actually have 60GB...but where is it? I can't access the other 40GB...and it would be really nice seeing as I am constantly deleting stuff because 20GB just isn't close to enough.

Does anybody know how to find my hidden disk space? I really don't want to have to re-format.
 
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ooh...that's interesting...

I opened up the device manager, and opened the properties of my hard drive.

Here's what it says under the "volumes" tab:

Disk: Disk 0
Type: Basic
Status: Online
Partition Style: Master Boot Record (MBR)
Capacity: 57233 MB
Unallocated Space: 36742 MB
Reserved Space: 0 MB

Volumes: Capacity:
(C:) 20481 MB
 
Go to control panel->administrative tools->computer management-> disk management and allocate the space to a new drive.

It is surprising your pc came that way...
 
Awesome, I was getting ready to re-format. THanks so much!

Is there any way I can assign the unallocated disk space to the current drive or do I need to create a new partition?
 
Awesome, I was getting ready to re-format. THanks so much!

Is there any way I can assign the unallocated disk space to the current drive or do I need to create a new partition?
Don't marge primary partition with another primary where you system is installed. However you can do that but it would screw up your system. Just create new primary partition, 40GB, and store files there that you don't want to lose when reinstalling windows.
 
You can merge partitions without screwing up the system. Just be aware that editing partitions is a dangerous practice.
 
-Job- said:
You can merge partitions without screwing up the system. Just be aware that editing partitions is a dangerous practice.

How? I now have 2 primary partitions, a 20 GB and a 40GB (well, approx). I would love for it to be one, it's much more space efficient.
 
-Job- said:
You can merge partitions without screwing up the system. Just be aware that editing partitions is a dangerous practice.
No, Windows will not do that. You need a special app like PartitionMagic.
 
That's the program i had in mind.
 
  • #10
"That's the program i had in mind."
That is the program that specifically informs users not to marge system partitions with any other partitions.
 
  • #11
I don't know what you mean. He can delete the partition he isn't using, and extend the system partition for one, which is the equivalent since his secondary partition is empty.
 
  • #12
Cept now I have used up 18gigs of the 40 gb partition i formatted the other day...:bugeye:

So I am using them both, I use D: (40 gig) for media, and the 20 gig partition for my main partition, runnign windows and all my programs etc...
 
  • #13
LOL funny missing that much of space. Trying to view all the files and folders that are hidden. The slowly count the amonut of files you have and add up together how much of file you have used. I can say that you have too many temp document. The temp files and folder that auto save you won't notice. Mine save up till 10gb till i realize so much of space lost. Go to the document and setting to find your temp folder. There has many unwanted files that you don't need. 2nd is that windows folder save some of the files that you install or d/l to your comp. so I am not sure which part in windows folder but i suggest don't try finding it.
 
  • #14
Mmx said:
LOL funny missing that much of space. Trying to view all the files and folders that are hidden. The slowly count the amonut of files you have and add up together how much of file you have used. I can say that you have too many temp document. The temp files and folder that auto save you won't notice. Mine save up till 10gb till i realize so much of space lost. Go to the document and setting to find your temp folder. There has many unwanted files that you don't need. 2nd is that windows folder save some of the files that you install or d/l to your comp. so I am not sure which part in windows folder but i suggest don't try finding it.

Lol, no the 18 gigs isn't taken up by hidden files or temp files...every file on my D partition is media, which I had burned on to a zillion cd-r's prior to finding my hidden disk space. I bet on C drive I have a lot of temp files though, but I don't use up space on that drive to quickly, all music/movies go onto my D drive.
 

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