I was trying out a bit of software called CamStudio. Nice idea, but due to avi filesize limit (supposedly 2Gb, even though I'm using NTFS) it's no good for me.However, I noticed my free space was way lower. I looked at all the temp and save folders, they were all empty. After a long while, I used DirectorySize to see where the stuff was. There was over 12gb in one folder. But when I looked, just a few text and ini files. I checked all the options in folder options. I opened a command window and did a dir /A then all the options in turn. Nothing would have escaped, and yet nothing was shown. I opened "search" and searched on *.avi. Nothing found.I then did a full disk check. No errors found.And yet, when I reloaded Camstudio and browsed using it's open "open file" window, they they were - 12Gb of avi files, some 1gb, some 4gb. So, I COULD delete them, but this indicates some serious problem somewhere. I'm using the offical 32 bit RC1 from 2 weeks ago, all updates installed, it's a new PC, all correct drivers, BIOS - everything I can think of is accounted for. So why can't I see these files, and what else might be hiding away using space?You're not going to believe me at first - I can make a screenmovie if needed! I can't quite get my head around it either.

Try looking at your windows partition from a linux Live CD and see if you can delete the files from there. Can you search for the .avi filenames, maybe they can show up in the search and you can delete them from there.Hello! Please try every solution given to your problem...and reply back with its results... - JoelbX

What was the exact path to the folder?Kerry Brown MS-MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

Well, originally it was c:\fraps\Then I tried a different folder in my documents - same thing everywhere. Now I have a similar problem with a DIFFERENT file and application. I downloaded a file with Net Transport (which I've used fine for years).I browsed to c:\ and it wasn't there (there's a good reason I use the root of c:\, but it's a long story involving some old hard coded batch files conversion!) Anyhow, the file wasn't there. So, I used the command "open file location" and it didn't open the folder like it used to on XP. So then, I used the command "open downloaded file" and it started playing - when I went to file properties in mplayer, it said: C:/radio_4_fm_-_thursday_1830.ra - exactly what I expected! And yet, when I try to open the file from another application or browse for it or look at it in command prompt or list it as a hidden file or search for it - you get the idea - it's not there. Even when I double check again as before that I am showing ALL hidden files and folders. BUT here's the weird thing I discovered - when I save it to an external fat32 formatted memory stick, it shows up fine. Some kind of bug, but I can't find the bug reporting system for Windows 7 RC. Anyone?

Do you have this same problem in another OS? If so, then you may have a hardware problem... Try booting off the linux Live CD and see if you have any problems with seeing your data.Hello! Please try every solution given to your problem...and reply back with its results...Click here for my thread on Win7 min. requirements - JoelbX

For some reason, my live boot CD doesn't like 4Gb of RAM - however, I booted into 32 bit Windows 7 RC and still couldn't see the file.And yet...it's there - it MUST be there! This is so weird - here's a short video showing the problem:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RrXqNMWDk0- you may need to click "HQ" to actually see what's on screen!So, how do I file a bug?

The files may be redirected to the Virtual File Store. When displaying the folder do you see "Compatibility Files" listed in the bar above the file display?Kerry Brown MS-MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

Did you try the latest ubuntu live cd?Hello! Please try every solution given to your problem...and reply back with its results...Click here for my thread on Win7 min. requirements - JoelbX

Yes! Yes, there it is! I never knew about this - thanks, Kerry! But why do these files appear here?

alan - Simply because certain folders in Windows 7 (and Vista for that matter) are protected. The root of C:\, C:\Windows\* and C:\Program Files\ are off limits for data files and such. Unfortunately, we live in a universe where malware exists. The above folders are favorite targets for hiding malware.So.. Windows 7 will move those files elsewhere for your own good.

Yes! Yes, there it is! I never knew about this - thanks, Kerry! But why do these files appear here? Hi AlanThis is File and Folder Virtualization in action. See the following article for a complete description of this process.Common file and registry virtualization issues in Windows VistaWe will likely be seeing a lot of this type of issues for those users that skipped Windows Vista and arecoming directly fromWindows XP. The documentation for these issues is in place for Vista, but not for Windows 7 yet.To completely understand this "Least Privileged User" concept that is based on the security Model introduced in Vista here are some more links. Windows Vista Application Development Requirements for User Account Control (UAC) MSDN Search - Least Privileged EnvironmentHope this helps.Thank You for testing Windows Ronnie Vernon MVP

It's part of UAC and File and Registry Virtualization for compatibility with older programs. It's a complicated topic. Basically if a program tries to write to a file or registry location that is protected in Vista the write is redirected to a location in your user profile. Here's a search where you can find out more.http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=vista+file+virtualizationor http://www.bing.com/search?q=vista+file+virtualization&go=&form=QBLH&filt=all&qs=nKerry Brown MS-MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

This is File and Folder Virtualization in action. See the following article for a complete description of this process.Common file and registry virtualization issues in Windows VistaWe will likely be seeing a lot of this type of issues for those users that skipped Windows Vista and arecoming directly fromWindows XP. The documentation for these issues is in place for Vista, but not for Windows 7 yet.Hope this helps. Yes, it helps greatly. You're right though - I skipped Vista. I'm afraid that all the reviews and friends using it said it sucked so hard I steered well clear. Whereas the opposite is the case with Windows 7. So you'll definitely be having the same type of migrators as me! Here's the thing though - I consider myself reasonably computer literate. I ran a small team on a helpdesk, now I do IT support for a couple of local businesses (all on XP).What I look out for is something intuitive or googleable, and trust me here, I googled this well before asking! But all the time, I was using "windows 7" as the search narrower.And nothing for "hidden files" or "invisible files" was relevant in Windows 7 search either.I suppose what someone like me would be looking for is a big sign like "missing files? click here for information on virtualization" or similar in the root of c:, like the way it won't even let you look first time.With a new O.S., I shouldn't need to be reading a big manual on all the quirks - something like a 2Gb file not being where it actually is/isn't, is quite a challenge!I think what threw me is the way the applications that generated the file could still "see" it in its "actual" location, whereas nothing else could.Is there some place I can make this suggestion?Anyway, thanks to one and all for your assistance on this.

Alan - You can always post suggestions to the Have a Comment on Windows 7 RC (part 6) thread.