FREE Space in HDD shown is not correct.

[optripathy]

Hello,
I have a HDD with Capacity as 596GB, Used space 173GB & Free space 423GB. However actual used space is 20GB. there were some files(173-20=153GB) Mysteriously got deleted, however the Space was not released, how is it possible? How can I claim back the free space?
Regards
OP

 

[acer0169]

Hard drive corruption would be my guess.

I've repaired 50+ computers with viruses that corrupt data or cause random reboots (which can corrupt data) and often after clearing the virus, the hard drive will still say a load of data is being used but you can't find the files anywhere.

I would STRONGLY suggest you back up what you can and full format (not quick format) your hard drive. If corruption is what's caused this, you have a very high risk of losing everything and damaging your HDD beyond repair.

 

[FunSurfer]

Hello,
I have a HDD with Capacity as 596GB, Used space 173GB & Free space 423GB. However actual used space is 20GB. there were some files(173-20=153GB) Mysteriously got deleted, however the Space was not released, how is it possible? How can I claim back the free space?
Regards
OP

Are you sure that the files were deleted and not became hidden? (What do you see if you enable the "show hidden files and folders" option?)