[RESOLVED] Files On The "D" Drive. How To Access Them

[pipercub]

HP Compac Presario C700
cpu pentium duel 1.86 GHz
2GHZ memory
Windows 7 ultimate 32 bit

The computer says it has two partitions on the hard drive "C" and "D". When I go to start>computer>"D" says Presario_RP 11.4 GB, free space 2GB. If I left click it says "folder empty". If I right click I get a box that says "Presario_RP (D". If I click on the "properties" tab then the "general" tab I get a pie chart with "used 9.45 GB, 2GB free space". But I am not able to get to the files that are there. The computer had windows Vista before. What am I missing? 9.45 gb used seems like a lot. If you need more info, let me know.

Thanks

[Midknyte]

That is the Recovery Partition. Did you create your Recovery Discs in case you need to restore it to factory condition?

Did you upgrade to Win7 or did you do a clean install?

[pipercub]

Thanks for the reply!
I did not create any recovery discs. It was awhile ago when I got the computer and fixed it. It had a bad DVD player and it had Vista on it. I am pretty sure I did an upgrade on it to Win7 32 bit and not a clean install.

[Midknyte]

The recovery media creator should have prompted you the first time you turned on the computer. If you did an upgrade, you can see if there a media creator (or something similar) in the Start Menu.

[pipercub]

How about a program called "Recovery Manager"? I opened it up and it says "Compac". Then it says help for recovering factory programs and drivers. I am assuming that this would be the original Vista that came with the machine but I didn't go any further in case it would remove drivers.

[Midknyte]

I don't have a Compaq to look at, but it should say something about creating recovery media. It would only create the recovery discs.

[Welshjim]

pipercub--The files on D may be hidden files. That is why you get the message that D is empty.
To really show all hidden folders and files
1) In Explorer, click Organize in ToolBar|click "Folder and Search Options"|View|uncheck "Hide protected operating system files"|Yes|Apply|OK.
2) And if not already done, under "Hidden Files and Folders", check "Show hidden files, folders,..." and uncheck "Don't show hidden files, folders...".

[pipercub]

Open hidden files was already checked. I unchecked "Hide protected operating system files." and got on the "D" partition these files, boot, HP, preload, sources, tools, windows that when clicked on said "recovery partition" and not to delete any of them although I could not open any of these files. I also got a bunch of language files on the "D" partition and some others.

[SpywareDr]

If you're sure you won't ever need them, boot from a Linux Live CD and delete them. Or, connect the hard drive (as an additional hard drive) to another computer and use the Operating System running on that computer to delete them.



.

[Welshjim]

pipercub--Use Unlocker.
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4660.html
But are you sure you want to delete those files?

[Midknyte]

I wouldn't delete the recovery files until you make a set of recovery discs. If you did an upgrade to Win7, you won't be able to upgrade again if something happens to your hard drive.

[pipercub]

I'm almost sure they are Vista files but there is this word "almost". So I think I will let sleeping dogs lie as they say. There is plenty of room on the "C" drive. Thanks for all the help!