Data Shredder mysteriously filled up all my usable space?!

[REDACTED]

Given the scenario that shredding files can take days depending on size of drive... I'm of the opinion some users actually try to terminate the program before it completes and thus wind up in this mess.   

One feature Avast can do without

I did terminate it early, but htf was I supposed to know this would be the result? Avast should issue an advisory to not terminate before it is completed.

[bob3160]

Given the scenario that shredding files can take days depending on size of drive... I'm of the opinion some users actually try to terminate the program before it completes and thus wind up in this mess.   

One feature Avast can do without

I did terminate it early, but htf was I supposed to know this would be the result? Avast should issue an advisory to not terminate before it is completed.

That sort of thing happens with many maintenance programs. You terminate at your own peril.
If you can't spend the time to allow it to complete  its function than don't start the process.
At this point, simply delete the useless data to give you the room needed on your Hard Drive.
Don't forget to also clear the Recycle Bin.

[REDACTED]

Given the scenario that shredding files can take days depending on size of drive... I'm of the opinion some users actually try to terminate the program before it completes and thus wind up in this mess.   

One feature Avast can do without

I did terminate it early, but htf was I supposed to know this would be the result? Avast should issue an advisory to not terminate before it is completed.

That sort of thing happens with many maintenance programs. You terminate at your own peril.
If you can't spend the time to allow it to complete  its function than don't start the process.
At this point, simply delete the useless data to give you the room needed on your Hard Drive.
Don't forget to also clear the Recycle Bin.

The problem with deleting unnecessary data is I am technologically challenged...I do not really know which are necessary, which are caused by my wrongly terminating the shredder.

[Pondus]

The problem with deleting unnecessary data is I am technologically challenged...I do not really know which are necessary, which are caused by my wrongly terminating the shredder.

See my previous post / question

[REDACTED]

I  have initiated contact with support one more time, as per instructions from Asyn.
What is really frustrating is this is a new computer, and I had absolutely no need or reason to "try out" the deleted file shredder. Like a child that sees a new toy, I just had to try it! Lessons learned:
1) do not use such things unless there is a need for it
2) do not terminate programs I am unfamiliar with before they have completed their job!!

I will let you all know what happens when I get replies from Support

[Eddy]

Well there is another thing to take into consideration.
All those software "data shredders" only make it harder to recover the data, but not impossible.
Specialized data recovery companies are still able to recover over 99% of the data as they use technic's that go as deep as molecular level.

[mchain]

In case anyone is wondering if there is a workaround for the issue Eddy is raising, there is:

Drive a nail through the hard drive or melt/fry the ssd drive.   

[bob3160]

In case anyone is wondering if there is a workaround for the issue Eddy is raising, there is:

Drive a nail through the hard drive or melt/fry the ssd drive.   

or user one of these:
 

[REDACTED]

Before I go on a tedious fix of my C disk, I wonder if I can manually delete the plethora of files such as C:\~090f  C:\~090.  C:\~093...etc. I feel of I delete these strangely named files, I may clear just about all of the problems, as they were all created in the same time span and day. Otherwise, I will just go through all the steps Avast support wants. I have been using my phone for internet as I am not at home very often. Thanks in advance for any advice!😀

[bob3160]

Before I go on a tedious fix of my C disk, I wonder if I can manually delete the plethora of files such as C:\~090f  C:\~090.  C:\~093...etc. I feel of I delete these strangely named files, I may clear just about all of the problems, as they were all created in the same time span and day. Otherwise, I will just go through all the steps Avast support wants. I have been using my phone for internet as I am not at home very often. Thanks in advance for any advice!😀

I don't see any reason why you can't remove them. You may need to bypass the Avast Self Defense Module before you can remove these files.

If this step was needed, be sure to again check this module to protect Avast from unauthorized changes.

[REDACTED]

Thanks all, used CC Cleaner to find and delete those space wasting files...gained more than 800 GB back again on my (C:)drive. Thanks to all for your help and advice. Avast should add a message for those wishing to cancell the shredding programs that doing so before complete may result in (C:) drive filling up with the shreds...or whatever. It was anniem's recommendation from early in this thread that solved the problem😊

[REDACTED]

I am trying to solve the same problem. After shredding a file the file shredder hung at 90%. Now the C drive is almost full but I cannot find the files that shredder has created. The disk analyzer (windows 10) shows that 70% of the disc is used by "other" files but does not say what they are or where they are. Using CCleaner in safe mode does not delete these files. Can anybody suggest where I should look for them, or give an idea as to what they might be called. All sensible suggestions will be gratefully received.

[bob3160]

The other user found his answer in this post:
https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=197250.msg1383278#msg1383278

[REDACTED]

Yes bob3160. I read that but unfortunately, as my first post states, CCleaner failed to find the files and therefore did not remove them. I need a clue as to where the files are and what they might be called to aid in my search.

[bob3160]

Yes bob3160. I read that but unfortunately, as my first post states, CCleaner failed to find the files and therefore did not remove them. I need a clue as to where the files are and what they might be called to aid in my search.

Maybe this gives you the clue you need: https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=197250.msg1392082#msg1392082