Tech Support > Microsoft Windows > Performance/Maintainence > Disk Cleanup -- Windows Temporary Files
Disk Cleanup -- Windows Temporary Files
Posted by dmn on June 16th, 2008


When running Disk Cleanup, is it safe to delete the Windows Temporary Files?
Of all of the options listed on Cleanup (downloaded program files, temp
internet files, offline webpages, etc), which are safe to delete, and which
are better left alone? Thanks!

Posted by Big_Al on June 16th, 2008


dmn wrote:
"compress old files" is the one that throws most users. Its not wrong,
it just compresses files that windows thinks are not used to save space.
I don't do it. Just me.

But in very broad terms, you can clear it all out.

But if you use offline web pages, don't do it.
If you want your IE old history cache, then don't do it.

Its your decision. Only you know if you need them.
Its like emptying the recycle bin. Do you want to keep that stuff for
20 days to make sure that file in the windows folder you deleted does
not cause a problem?? Only you know your system.

Posted by mikeyhsd on June 16th, 2008


it is safe to delete all of them.
only you can determine if you want to keep them around for a while.




mikeyhsd@sprintpcs.com



"dmn" <dmn@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:30AC9C72-9768-41EF-B083-0522297EEC7B@microsoft.com...
When running Disk Cleanup, is it safe to delete the Windows Temporary Files?
Of all of the options listed on Cleanup (downloaded program files, temp
internet files, offline webpages, etc), which are safe to delete, and which
are better left alone? Thanks!

Posted by Gerry on June 16th, 2008


DMN

If there is more than one user you need to do it in all user profiles.


--



Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Big_Al wrote:


Posted by dmn on June 16th, 2008


Thanks so much for your response... So, if I want to keep these temp files
for a short period of time "just in case" they are needed, how do I determine
which area older files and can be deleted and which can't? Where do I find a
list of these temporary files, rather than just deleting the whole lot in
Disk Cleanup?

"Big_Al" wrote:

Posted by Big_Al on June 16th, 2008


dmn wrote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Downloaded Program Files ---- Your option.
Temporary Internet Files ---- Your Option, but normally you clear them.
But this is your cache that is there to make web pages paint faster for
those frequently visited sites. Unfortunately it also contains trash
too.
Office Setup files --- I usually don't. Still its your option.
Recycle Bin --- Your option.
Temporary Files --- I always delete these.
WebClient/Publisher Temporary Files -- I usually do,
But rarely have any there since its not something I do.
Compress Old Files -- Your option. I don't
Catalog Files for the Content Indexer -- Your option. I don't but then
again, I don't get any files in this category.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
There is a help just below the selection window that explains each
option too. You can't do part. Its all or nothing of each category.
There's no harm in not doing it.

If you are concerned about the amount of space being used for things
like temporary internet files, this feature can be adjusted under the IE
options. You can make the cache smaller and thus this does not grow and
consume a large amount of space.
Recycle bin you can manage on your own.

So the usual other big usage of space is the Temp Folder/Files. And
as suggested by another, you have to clear that temp per user on the
system. This is about the only offensive usage of space that you need
this program for.

Posted by Big_Al on June 16th, 2008


dmn wrote:
Read this. It seems to explain pretty good.
http://www.theeldergeek.com/disk_cleanup_utility.htm
http://www.microsoft.com/atwork/getstarted/speed.mspx

Posted by dmn on June 16th, 2008


Thanks so much for everyones help!!




"Big_Al" wrote:


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