Lost 12 GB avi file somewhere in computer

[Georgeo57]

When I deleted a 12 GB video file, I was asked if I wanted to permenantly delete it, and I think I may have mistakenly answered no instead of yes.

Now I can't locate the file in my recycle bin or anywhere else in the computer, (I searched for it several times) but my hard drive is down 12 GBs, and when I go to defragment a large fragmented area appears but the program does not recognize it in order to defragment.

How can I fiind and permanently delete this file?

I'm using Windows XP.

Thanks,
George

[GeorgeW]

Do you have a recylce bin for each hard drive?

Maybe you can go to explorer, and Tools/Folder Options/View Tab, and show hidden files and folders

[greymalkin]

unless you've messed with your settings, the file was too large for the recycle bin and should have been automatically deleted...so not sure what is going on here.

[Georgeo57]

I only have one hard drive, and tried the "show hidden files and folders" option.

I also tried seaching for a file greater than 4 GB in explorer, and it didn't locate any files.

[Cornucopia]

Maybe the Filesystem's TOC is corrupt. Run Scandisk (etc). It might free up those 12GB. Has worked for me in the past.

Scott

[kvlourash]

Mebbe you should run chkdsk - have the PC do a disk check.

[Georgeo57]

I just unclicked "hide protected system files," ran another search, and the file came up with a different name in the C:\recycler nprotect folder (I had recently installed Norton Systemworks.

Thanks for the help!
George

[ed_mc7]

Do you use an independant removal tool (i.e. file shredder)?
Some of them break the files into multiple numbered .tmp files during the removal process making them harder to find.

EDIT: Oops too slow, dialup sux, but you found it.

[northcat_8]

Start > search > advanced search options

set the file size to around 5 GB and let it search for it.

[ssusca]

This is typical with the Norton Protected Recycle Bin. In order to completely delete something and reclaim your hard drive space, all you have to do is right click on the recycle bin and choose "Empty Norton Protected Files"

It will then purge you system of all recently "deleted" files.

I find I have to do this regularly in order to reclaim space after I delete my captured avi's

[Gurm]

Or you could... not use NProtect. It makes your machine run like dog poo.

[gll99]

I use a program called SequoiaView. It shows a pictoral box graph of the files using disc space on a drive. Sure helps when you have large files hidden in nested sub directories that you have forgotten about.

http://www.win.tue.nl/sequoiaview/

[rjc7394]

Maybe restore your computer to a previous date. I have recovered files that way.