I am using the "Free Space" disk file compression program from Mijenix
Corporation. It works well, allowing me to compress files and save disk
space while also allowing full functional access without requiring
manual decompression.
All seemed well, that is, until I decided to delete a large folder
containing temporary files and two smaller folders also with files, all
compressed with Free Space. The delete seemed to work, I emptied the
Trash folder after the delete, but none of the space occupied by the
deleted files was returned to my system. The over 200Meg I expected to
free up is now lost. After considerable investigation, in fact over
300Meg of my 1.6Gig has been lost through that and previous delete
operations, apparently.
I have since run the cleanup programs included with Free Space, as well
as Scandisk, and Defrag; none report any problems. It is only when I
run the old DOS CHKDSK function that any indication of the lost space is
identified. CHKDSK reports over 10K lost allocation units and that
320+Meg could be freed. Unfortunately, when I attempt to execute
CHKDSK/F to free up the lost space, CHKDSK issues an error that it is
limited by DOS to 67 (I think) character path names and I must move all
files in longer paths before CHKDSK can perform the FIX operation. This
is an alternative I have not yet pursued because of the massive effort
it will entail, and with no particular assurance of success.
I have conveyed this problem to the Free Space support people and gotten
an expression of their surprise this could happen, but not a clue as to
how to go about correcting it. I continue to await further word from
them, but not expectantly.
My system is desperately low on disk space as it is, but this problem is
pushing it into failure mode. Does anyone have any suggestions how this
lost space can be recovered? Please note, to me reformatting the disk
is not considered a solution any more than killing the patient a cure.
It's not even a good last resort. Please don't tell me that's the only
way.
W. Curt Deegan
PCSOFT: http://nospin.com or [log in to unmask]
|
