What is going on with my computer?

[Anonymous]

I had this problem once before when I was running low on memory, and it resolved after deleting several files, but now it doesn't seem to be working.

It tells me I still have over 600 GBs of space, so I don't know why it's doing this. I've been deleting files and doing updates, but the computer still thinks it's low on memory space.

Now it's reached the point that it won't even let me delete files to make more space. It gives me that error message when I try to put a file in the recycling bin.
It won't even let me open browsers/programs.

How can I fix this problem permamately? I have Windows XP and a Dell PC, that's almost a decade old.

We've been having issues with the WiFi lately, getting a security error. I'm wondering if something the tech people did, caused this.
But I think it's all the media files I have on there. But I don't understand why deleting files isn't fixing the problem.

Updates

+1 y

I ran an Error Check/Repair, and it seems to have fixed it. *Knock on wood

[youngmix]

What kind of drive is it? Internal HDD on SATA or IDE? Is it your system drive, where your OS is installed? Or are you trying to remove files from a USB drive, either larger HDD or a thumb drive?

If it is your system drive, or an internal drive of any sort, try running chkdsk.
I would run it from the command line. So press the windows button and type in cmd, then open your command line.

This web site has an okay guide, I'll try to find you a better one if you ask.

https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/chkdsk-commands/

Note this line, as you are probably dealing with your system drive:
"Files are always open on the system drive, so chkdsk cannot run with the repair options on this drive. In this case, you can use AutoChk to check the system drive the next time you start your computer"

[youngmix]

FYI, this is the only method I know of that can fix a corrupted or unreadable disk error.
I had to do this to one of my hard drives a few years ago, and I was lucky enough to be lead through it by my dad (a computer scientist who is always dealing with stuff like this).

[youngmix]

And I've never done this on a solid state drive (SSD), so if you have one, I don't know if this will help.

[Asker]

I have no freakin idea. I have no clue what any of that stuff means.
I completely forgot about chkdsk. I might try that later.

[youngmix]

Oh yeah, when just considering security, you really should update your OS. You don't have to change your hardware, but you definitely need to change your software. Maybe look into open source projects, like Ubuntu. But if you're not computer literate enough to install an OS, and you don't want to learn, then just buy a new computer.

[youngmix]

And you're saying that your computer is filling its memory, and that can be SO MANY THINGS.
Programs, both system and your own; leaking memory (you may be using programs that are not made for your OS); a virus that's wrecking your life; a driver error; etc.

Move your files to another drive ASAP. I hope you don't have a virus.

[Asker]

I don't know how to do that. And knowing my luck, it probably is

[youngmix]

You need something like this:
www.amazon.com/.../ref=sr_1_4

or this:
www.amazon.com/.../ref=sr_1_4

You plug it into your usb port, it will show up as an installed drive, and you can drag and drop the files you choose into that drive's window.

[youngmix]

I chose those drives specifically because they are USB 2.0.

I just messaged my dad, and this is a quote from him:
"There is an industry level claim that USB 3.0 and later devices are backwards compatible with USB 2.0, but I have found that this is not always true. There is a power demand that sometimes causes connectivity issues in older system, so the drive does not read, especially on devices that do not have their own power supply. An example is the original Wii's USB ports and system imitations on I/O support when power is externally delivered."

So he recommends that you use USB 2.0 devices to transfer your files.

[Jessica405]

Have you tried Shift and Delete to bypass the bin?

You do realise that Win XP is no longer updated and is a security risk?

You may have to back up all your pics, vids, music etc. Then re-install your OS.

I would not use Win XP on line. I do run one desktop with XP because some old software I use won't work on anything else. It never goes on line.

[Jessica405]

There might also be an issue with "ownership". The file may be limited to "read only", as well.

[Asker]

"What means "bypass the bin"?
Wait, nevermind. I think I know.

Yeah, I knew the day would come when I would need to purchase a new computer, and it looked like it's fast approaching, but I'll use this one as long as I can.
I don't even have anywhere to back up my files. My flash drive is full

[Asker]

But the thing is, sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. But I've been having a lot of trouble with drivers.

[Jessica405]

You might be able to run Ubuntu Linux or Mint Linux on your machine instead of Windows. Both OS's are free. Enough free software as well. Everything you will need.

[Asker]

So the Lenox would replace Windows XP? That sounds too complicated.

[Jessica405]

Not really. Dowload the ISO image file. Burn the image to a CD. Boot up from the CD. Jod done.

[Anonymous]

The problem is you're using windiws XP, (assuming that isn't an inage you took from your actual computer screen as thats not XP) XP is falling apart as an operating system and is a massive security risk. You almost certainly have root kit viruses running in the background. If you insist on keeping this machine, which is a huge mistake by the way, you have only one option, wipe it and start again. Just don't ever use it to enter any information about yourself or use it to buy anything with credit card or do banking on it, its just not secure enough anymore, I can't stress this to you this enough!

[Asker]

Too late for that. I already have

[Opinion Owner]

Oh well I guess you can expect some card or bank fraud some time.

[Asker]

I already have before and never got it resolved

[dudeinohio]

Memory and Storage are two different things. The 600g you have left is hard drive/ssd *storage* it is NOT memory
Windows should be clearing memory to accommodate what you are doing. Maybe this can direct you in troubleshooting better. I don't know.

[Razp_Sorbet]

Well there's your problem it's old. It's time to upgrade. Computers aren't made to last forever

[Asker]

I know. I knew the day would come when I would eventually have to, but I'll try to use it for as long as I can.

[Razp_Sorbet]

Only thing that may help is doing a complete factory reset. Put all you important stuff onto a flashdrive then restart the computer. It might help things run a little smoother for a small while

[Asker]

That's what I was thinking. I might do that. It was around 10 years ago, that I last did that, so it seems that every 10 years it acts up and needs to be reset. My flash drive only has so much space on it though.

[Razp_Sorbet]

You could get a bigger flashdrive. They're pretty inexpensive