Cleaning Part of a 1TB Hard Drive

[Hamokhamok]

Suggestions needed please.

 

I've a 1 Tb hard drive that is used to backup systems etc.

 

Some of the backups are no longer required as the PC they are associated with is no longer in use.

 

I've been deleting the files in the normal way but I find that I've millions of files to delete and it is taken a long time.

 

Can anyone suggest an easier way of doing this. Obviously there are numerous other directories/files that I don't wish to delete, some of which are backups from my present PC.

 

Is there any software that could be used to identify specific areas of the hard drive to just delete in a block, these files that are no longer needed.

[cavanami]

The software used to make the backup may have a delete function?

 

usually a backup is put in one folder, may be compressed, etc. Delete that unrequired folders.

 

or, go for the whole enchilada, wipe the drive totally clean and then make a current backup.

[acockasian]

I would strongly second the cav enchilada suggestion.

 

Went though this once without realizing how many hidden files were there on an external drive.

 

If you are having trouble change your settings to show hidden files and there is a chance you'll see what I mean.

[billywan]

I agree, just save whatever files/folders you want and then do a Format of that drive.

[Hamokhamok]

Thanks everyone.

 

Second option isn't on at the moment at least.

 

The drive is also used as a backup for the desktop PC so I'd be left with no backup if I reformatted the drive.

 

It look as if its a delete job all the way.

 

There is no hurry to do it but it just takes ages because when I delete the file I then have to go in to the Recycle Bin and then delete them from there.

[acockasian]

Been there and done that...more than once. If the famous cav whole enchilada is not possible dick around with your settings to make sure that hidden files are shown.

 

In windows vista it is in control panel, then appearance and personalisation. Look around. If is on a separate drive and it is a hidden folder it is not critical for your PC.

 

 

 

 

[LizardKing]

Only one choice, and from your countrymen. And free.

 

Well received in the geek community. Believe me, used more than you think. Get it!

 

http://eraser.heidi.ie

[Hamokhamok]

Thanks I'll give that a try.

 

It seems to allow me to delete just a folder (or a file for that matter) which is what I need right now.

[cavanami]

There is a setting for the recycle bin so that any file over xMb (xKb?) will not be put into the recycle bin. Make the setting very small and limit the number of files going to the recycle bin.

[Hamokhamok]

Cav,

 

Thanks for that. I wasn't aware of that setting. Will look for it and do the necessary.