I checked the hidden file in the root drive WIndows folder and yes I found "$ntuninstall"... subfolders under the windows folder which may be the reason y I see windows folder taking 4.5GB instead of 2-3 GB but Out of the 10GB approx & GB is occupied by the ('Windows', 'Documents & Settings', 'MSOCACHE' & 'Program Files') folders; then Y do I see only 300-400 MB of Free disk space out (10 minus 7) 3GB. Is it the paging file that's takng the free space? If yes then does the page file takes upto 2.6 GB of disk space?? (I have RAM of 512MB) U asked about the winodws version. it's "WINDOWS XP PROFESSIONAL VERSION 2002 SERVICE PACK 3". I m hoping to hear frm u soon. I m very grateful for ur quick response and wd appreciate ur further guidance. Regards, Sheikh