hiberfil.sys

HIBERFIL.SYS

HIBERFIL.SYS is a file the system creates when the computer goes into hibernation mode. Windows uses the file when it is turned back on. If you don't need hibernation mode and want to delete the file you need to turn the hibernation option off before Windows will allow you to delete the file. The procedure for turning hibernation off differs markedly between Windows XP and Vista. The file size depends largely on the size of active RAM in the computer as the contents of the file are basically a RAM image.

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Windows XP
* Procedure for Windows XP. This procedure makes use of the graphical user interface.
o Start | Control Panel | Power Options
o Go to the Hibernate Tab.
o Uncheck the Enable Hibernation box if you don't need the hibernation function.
o The file should now be able to be deleted.
* How to Troubleshoot Hibernation and Standby Problems in Windows XP. See this Microsoft Knowledgebase article.
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Windows Vista
* Procedure for Windows Vista and Windows 7. This procedure requires that you be an administrator and uses the command line.
o Start | All Programs | Accessories
o Right click on the Command Prompt entry and choose Run as Administrator from the context menu that pops up (OK any UAC queries about doing this).
o A Command Prompt window should open.
o At the command prompt (where the flashing cursor is) type powercfg.exe /hibernate off and press the Enter key.
o The box should flash and you'll be back at the Command Prompt; type exit and press the Enter key to exit the Command Prompt mode.
o Hibernation should now be turned off and the file HIBERFILE.SYS deleted. If you want to turn it back on repeat the procedure and use /hibernate on instead.
o More Information: Microsoft Support documentWeb Link. A method of doing this using the graphical user interface is available using the Disk Cleanup Wizard. See the writeup hereWeb Link for that if you absolutely refuse to use the command prompt.
* How to Troubleshoot Hibernation and Standby Problems in Windows Vista. See this Microsoft Knowledgebase article.