Hard Disk Suddenly Full

[RJPH]

I have a 4Gb HDD running W98 and as of last night I had 1.3Gb free space. On booting my system this morning I received an error message stating that the disc was full - and on checking I had 2.5Mb free space (shock, horror!!)

I have performed a full system Anti Virus scan with the latest definitions but no virus have been found. I have also performed a full Scandisc but no errors were reported

I have performed a ALT, CTRL, DEL process and deleted all TSR's except Explorer - now have 31.9Mb free but this is to be expected

I then accessed the Internet and suddenly(!) I have 1.3Gb free space again

I need your help in understanding how free space can suddenly disappear and then just as suddenly be available again, and what I can now do to stabilise this system

Many thanks, RJPH

 

[noellees1]

spybot search and destroy
Adaware 6.0
use them NOW

 

[RJPH]

Thank you for such a speedy reply but please could you expand your solution slightly as I do not readily understand

Thanks again, RJPH

 

[wolluf]

spybot & adaware will detect & allow you to remove spyware (which is one of the possibilities for causing this).

Here's a possibly useful little app -

http://www.lpacomputers.telinco.co.uk/ddsetup.zip

- if it happens again (analysis of disk space usage - though a third of the drive should have been obvious!).

What's your max temporary internet folder size set to?

Swapfile can change size (unless you've set it fixed size) - but I can't see how it could have grown 1.3GB!

 

[YoungManRiver]

I had the same problem about 6 months ago. There was a hacker on my system, not a virus, there is a difference. The hacker was taking over disk space and using my machine. That is what they are talking about using the term "spyware". The hacker sets up a program on your machine that runs as soon as it sees internet.

Mine got bad and rewrote about 20Gb of my 40Gb HD into a Linux file format.

I installed Norton Personal Firewall, Ad-Aware, and a couple other things to blow this out. They work. Look into them.

 

[YoungManRiver]

PS.

Another thing. Do not let Outlook or Outlook Express run continually while on the net. They broadcast a signal that let's all the hackers find you.

If you keep them shut down and/or in the OffLine mode, you will not get hit as often.

I also disconnect my High Speed INet connection and work offline most of the time to reduce risk. No matter what you install on a personal machine, you will get hacked sooner or later.

You will need a full blown IDS to keep all them out. I ought to know I'm a certified IDS consultant.

If you are interested in IDS appliances and software see:

http://www.intrusion.com

Good Luck!

 

[Grenage]

Another thing. Do not let Outlook or Outlook Express run continually while on the net. They broadcast a signal that let's all the hackers find you

what?