How to Free Up Hard Drive Space on a Sony VAIO Laptop
By Elvis Michael
While a Sony VAIO laptop typically comes equipped with an adequate amount of hard drive space, its total capacity may prove insufficient depending on your needs. Data-hefty content such as music production software, games and high-definition video will eventually fill up even high-capacity disks. In such cases, you can take various steps to help restore your Sony VAIO’s total storage space.
Remove Programs
Step 1
Click the Start button, then click “Control Panel.”
Step 2
Click the “Uninstall a Program” link found under the Programs section. If using either Small Icons or Large Icons view, click “Programs and Features” instead.
Step 3
Click to select the program you wish to remove, then click “Uninstall.” Follow all removal instructions displayed by the program in question.
Delete Temporary Files
Step 1
Click the Start button, type “Disk Cleanup” into the Search field and press “Enter.”
Step 2
Select the disk drive from which you wish to remove files and click “OK” to proceed.
Step 3
Check the sources from which you wish to delete files, such as the Recycle Bin or Temporary Internet Files.
Step 4
Click “OK” followed by “Delete Files” on the ensuing confirmation dialog to remove the selected content.
Back Up Data
Step 1
Connect a secondary storage device, such as a USB flash drive or an external hard drive, into your computer’s USB port. Allow the operating system to register the device.
Step 2
Locate the data you wish to move. Use Windows’ Search function from the Start button if you are unable to find specific files and/or folders.
Step 3
Right-click the data in question, select “Send to” from the context menu, then click the secondary storage unit from the sub-menu displayed. Hold the keyboard’s “Ctrl” key while clicking each file to highlight multiple entries.
Step 4
Right-click the original source files and select “Delete” to remove them from their primary location, freeing the space on your computer's hard drive and increasing its total capacity.
References
Tips
- Windows labels external units "Removable Disk" by default.
Warnings
- Backing up program-dependent data requires you to keep the secondary storage unit connected whenever the application in question is in use. Some programs may be unable to locate a file's new source if it had been previously assigned or configured within the application.
Writer Bio
Elvis Michael has been writing professionally since 2007, contributing technology articles to various online outlets. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in information technology at Northeastern University.