Some storage challenges on OS SSD

[erwinna]

Hello,

I only have 60gb on my SSD. I have definitely run into and issue space, very early on in my build. I have taken many measures to try and minimize usage on that drive including the following:
Pagefile lowered
Hibernate diabled
User folder moved to HDD
AHCI mode
TRIMM working
System Restore Disabled
Drive Indexing Disabled


I was trying to DL AION and directed it to save to my HDD. There was a folder successfully created but when I checked my SSD it was almost full (only 3gb left) and that there is a folder for the game therein. Plus I am getting an error on update or the game claiming there is not enough space.

When I read the error log, I notice that it is saving to: C:\Users\Pippa\AppData\Local\Temp\tmpD937.tmp

Anysuggestions as to how to remedy this behaviour? Do I need to redirect my Temp folder? If so, if the only method via Regedit?

 

[cin19]

Do you do disable prefetch and superfetch?
If you don’t, follow this
1. Type Regedit into the Start Menu box;
2: Select the file path:
“HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ CurrentControlSet\Control\SessionManager\Memory Management\PrefetchParameters”
3. Right click on both EnablePrefetcher and EnableSuperfetch;
4. Select modify on each of these to change the value from 1(or 3) to 0; and
5. Restart.

Also you need to change your TEMP folder location from SSD to HD. If you search it from internet, you can easy to find and how to do it.

 

[RetiredChief]

Please NOTE that you must leave a least 10% of the drive free for trim and CG to work. If you do not you are begging for trouble.

Insight on changing temp folders (from MS)
To change the location of the System Temp folder, follow the steps given below.

1. Right click on Computer and click on Properties. In the resulting window with the basic information about your computer
2. Click on Advanced system settings on the left panel resulting in a dialog box click on the Advanced tab a
3. Click on the button near the bottom labeled Environment Variables.
4. You may see both TMP and TEMP listed in the section labeled User variables for (account). That's the common location; each different login account is assigned its own temporary location.
5. In the Variable value Edit box you may specify the path to the directory that Windows and many other programs will use for temporary files.
Be sure and repeat that process for both TMP and TEMP.

You'll need to restart any running programs for the new value to take effect. In fact, you'll need to restart Windows for it to begin using the new value for its own temporary files.

To change the location of the Internet Temp folder, follow the steps given below.

Note: That Internet Explorer moves cookies to the new folder and the old folder is removed. Additionally, the following message is displayed when you attempt to move the Temporary Internet Files folder:

Warning: Moving the location of your Temporary Internet Files folder will delete all your subscription data.

1.Create a new folder to store the files. For example, if you want to store the files in a folder named Ietemp on drive D, create the following folder:
D:\Ietemp
For information about how to create a folder, click Start, click Help, click the Index tab, type new folder, and then double-click the "New Folders" topic.

1.Start Internet Explorer.
2.On the Tools menu, click Internet Options.
3.On the General tab, click Settings.
4.Click Move Folder.
5.Click the folder you created in Step 1.
6.Click OK, click OK, and then click OK again.
7.Restart your computer

You can change the location of Internet explorer temp folder; there is no security threat to your computer.

 

[erwinna]

Thank you! I have read about disabling prefetch and superfetch but dont entirely understand what those things do; can you explain please?

Also, I have read a few things suggesting that changing Temp folder may not be a good idea...It also does not cure the fact that the files still save in the c: program files (86x)

 

[RetiredChief]

Most programs (NOT ALL) will alow you to change the install directory to the HDD. Unfornately some don't or ignore.

I know this is a day late and a dollar short - But I always try to discourage buing a 60 or 64 gig SSD for this very reason. 60/64 gig is The MINIMIUM size, the recommended size is 80+ with nominal size = 120/128 gig. As to prefetch and suferfetch, these are to boost performance - More important for HDD, not as important for SSD as their access time is 1/100th of a HDD, and load time is 20 -> 40 x faster than a HDD. Not a real biggy enabled or disabled I don't think.

 

[erwinna]

Thanks Chief! I will try this and let you know how it goes.

Well, regarding my SSD size, I was told that 60gb was minimum and so I just went with that. In retrospect I wish I would have gone with 120gb but I really had not predicted this as I am new to building and such...but maybe its not too late to get the 120 and just reload windows and use the 60gb for games and such....hmmm....

 

[RetiredChief]

^ Great Idea.

You can Use Windows backup (Located in control Panel) and do an image of your "C" drive (it will include the 100mb system partition). Put the image on your HDD. When the image is completed, windows will prompt you to make a Bootable restore disk. However you can do the restore from any windows installation disk by selecting repair, then restor using image - Your choice here.

Then when you get your New SSD just bop in the restore disk (or a windows Install disk) and restore the image to your New SSD (Disconnect or old SSD until done).

NOTE this will return your NEW SSD to the exact state as when you made the image - NO re-install, no windows updates, no re-install drivers and programs. Takes about 10 -> 15 Mins and you reboot to exactly the way it was.

Caution: This will also make a 60 gig partition on your new SSD As I said it is exacty the way it was. NO PROBLEM, just go into windows disk management and EXPAND partition to the full size - YES I've done this on a couple of occassions - Works great.

When do, put old 60 gig SSD back in and reformat and use as an overflow and/or storage with files you most often use (what I did as both my desktops and one of my laptops all have daul SSDs.

 

[erwinna]

I just purchased a 120gb Kingston HyperX SSD ($60 off!) and will be making "the big switch" today! Because I am somewhat new to all this, I was to be SUPER ANAL and double check I understand the process correctly:

1. Turn on Computer
2.In BIOS, set system to boot from CD
3. Create system image on HDD
4. Put Windows Install CD into CD drive and turn off system
5. Unplug old SSD and plug in new SSD
6. Power up
7. System will boot from CD and Prompt me if I want to reinstall or repair; select repair.
8. Select repair with saved system image on HDD
9. Let it do its magic and that’s it?

Do I have it right? I guess after I can unplug my HDD and plug my OLD SDD in for reformatting. I may just sell it as I dont think I will need it really, especially as I will still direct most things to the HDD where I can!

 

[erwinna]

Best answer selected by Erwinna.