How to delete unallocated space from hdd in Windows XP

**Mayur_Jain** · 22-06-2009

I have recently formatted my computer and reinstalled Windows XP. But this created an unallocated space of about 1 GB. But why did that happened. Is this normal? It never occurred with my relatives and friends. How can I delete this unallocated space of 1 GB from my hdd in Windows XP ?

**deoWo** · 22-06-2009

That shouldn't be unallocated space on your hard disk, in fact it could be the Windows which is holding that much of space. You cannot delete the partition that contains Windows system files. But the only doubt that comes to my mind is that 1GB space. Because Windows system file do not need so much space. So try reformatting once again to see if you have missed some part of the installation.

**pddaugusto** · 22-06-2009

According to my experience, you can not remove an unallocated partition. However if you want you can try to go to Disk Management (right click on My Computer - Manage - Computer Management - Disk Management). Now select the partition, right click on it and choose "Delete Partition...". However you can go for reformatting because ideally Windows only leaves a small unallocated space of around 7-14 MB.

**Yitzchak909** · 22-06-2009

If you are on HP computer then this is quiet normal because HP keeps some recovery files on a partition which can be used to run a recovery or to reinstall original drivers. Having such files on your computer makes it easier and faster rather than having the recovery discs which gets damaged very easily. However if you don't want this partition on your computer and wants to delete in order to get the 1GB space use Diskpart command.