by Greg Schwartz

Created on: February 06, 2009

Everyone knows you need free hard drive space to save files. But the need for free disk space goes far beyond saving a Word document or an MP3 file. The hard drive is utilized by the computer for many things, most of which go on behind the scenes.

- System restore

If you have Windows Me or a newer version of Windows, your computer comes equipped with a function called "system restore." System restore is a great tool. If you install a program or a new device that causes your computer to go haywire, as long as you have a restore point from before that screwy device or application was installed, you can restore your computer to its earlier state. Windows periodically sets restore points, and you can manually set them, too, but these restore points take up lots of disk space - sometimes up to 5 or 10 percent of the hard drive. If you have no free space, you can't use system restore.

- Page file

Your computer uses RAM (random access memory) to store programs that it is currently running, such as web browsers, games, and virus scanners. Programs that are open but are not currently in use are stored in what Windows calls the "page file" or "swap file." The page file is actually an area on the hard drive set aside to be used as "extra RAM," so that the actual RAM is not overly taxed and your computer can run as efficiently as possible. Windows initially sets aside a chunk of the hard drive to use as the page file, so unless you manually limit the size or disable the page file, any files you save on the hard drive will not impact the page file. However, if you run a lot of programs simultaneously, it is advisable to increase your page file size, and without free hard drive space that won't be possible.

- Running the disk defragmenter

Windows comes with another useful tool, the Disk Defragmenter. The defragmenter joins fragmented files and reorganizes the hard drive to make the best use of all available space (which helps your PC run faster). You should run the defragmenter at least once a month, but you need free disk space in order to run it. (Ideally, at least 10 or 15 percent of your hard drive should be empty before running the defragmenter.)

- Quarantine

Most anti-virus programs have an option to quarantine infected files. The suspect files are set aside in a designated area of the hard drive so they won't be able to further infect your computer, but if you need to get to the file, it's still around. Without free hard drive space, there is no room for a quarantine.

- Unexpected

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