I've never heard of a limit to how many folders or files a drive can hold. This does sound like some malware, possibly disk errors or incomplete defrag if you are using the built-in (and a 1 TB drive is way too much for the built-in to defrag).
Here's what I would do:
0. Ensure the Hard Disc Drive is not damaged or faulty.
Solution - Run CheckDisk:
a. Start> Computer >select C Drive>Right Click C Drive>select "Properties">"Tools" > click "Check Now"> Select both boxes and click "Start".
b. This can take a long time, so let it complete (may take all night or longer. Be patient.)
1. Do a System Restore to a point before this was a problem:
a. Start - All Programs - Accessories - System Tools - System Restore (click to open);
b. Select a restore point well before you started having these problems;
c. Start the restore process and let it complete (Name the restore operation something descriptive like "Browsing Repair").
Note: you will need to re-install any programs and maybe the updates that were installed after that restore point -- one of which may be the cause of this. Re-Install one at a time so you can see if any one of them causes the problem).
2. Get good Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware programs (AVG is good for Anti Virus; MalWare Bytes is a good, free anti malware program as is SuperAntiSpyware -- see links below. Get the AV if you don't have one and Malware Bytes & SuperAntiSpyware. AdAware is good, but it seems to be missing some stuff lately...)
a. Download Malware Bytes and install it. Also download and install SuperAntiSpyware.
b. Run a complete (full) SpyWare scan with Malware Bytes and handle whatever it finds. Repeat with SuperAntiSpyware, handling what it finds.
c. Run a complete Virus Scan and handle whatever it finds (if you are going to change AV programs, remove the old one first before installing AVG).
3. Next, ensure the Registry is clean and the disk's clutter is also cleaned out.
Solution: Get and run a good registry cleaner.
a. Get CCleaner at the site below
b. Run the Registry cleaner till it finds and corrects all errors
c. Run the "Cleaner" to analyze the disk and see what it finds to delete and then delete the files that are not needed (most of the files it finds are unneeded, but look through the categories to be safe).
d. In CCleaner, under "Tools", go to "Start Up" and look over the programs that start up on your PC. You may see a lot of programs that simply do not need to start up when you first boot up your PC. Disable these and leave only the essential ones (if not sure, note down the program name and then try to open it up via Start-> All Programs. If not essential, disable them). These are big "RAM Eaters" and many times are not needed at start up -- if you do need to use them, you can start them up as needed.
4. Run a good disk defrag. If you use the computer more than occasionally, the built-in may not cut it. Consider downloading a free trial of a third party commercial defrag tool.
Third party programs are more robust and many work in the background so you can use your PC while defragging.
Most third party programs offer a free, fully-functional trial (the better ones are for 30 days).
Below is a recent Top 10 Reviews side-by-side comparison of the best defrag programs available.
a. Select a program and install it. The better defrag programs are automatic and the top placers in the above review can defrag while using the PC. The top placer was the only defrag program that prevented fragmentation (see the review).
You can get a free trial for the gold medal winner via the review or at the site listed below.
b. Defragment your disk drives. The best defrag programs are very fast. You will be able to see the progress and with the gold medalist, you can use the PC while it is working with no problems.
Good luck to you!
Bill R TechSpec
PS: If you can't get into System Restore, don't despair -- it means you're on the right track (the malware is protecting itself). Just go onto Step 2.
If you can't run the scans, go to Safe Mode as directed below and run the scans from safe mode:
A. Restart the PC and tap the F8 button repeatedly as it is booting up (before Windows splash screen come on). If windows starts, you need to re-start the PC after it completes and start the repeated tapping of F8 sooner)
B. Select "Safe Mode with Networking"
C. When it completes the boot up to Safe Mode, it may give you the option to go to System Restore. Try to go there and do Step 1 if System Restore is now available. and proceed with step 2, etc. from safe mode.
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If still no go, you may have a rouge infection that loads itself on re-start, hiding itself while it is running so it may not be detected by usual AV scans. Post a question about Rogue Malware Infection that reloads during re-start and you can get help for that.
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