[hmr516]

Can someone please explain to me how to remove temp and other unneeded files from my machine. I would like an explanation so I don't screw up my machine. I don't think fancy software is the solution, since I doubt that i would be able to safely use it and make decisions about it. Thanks.

 

[Krelian]

Can someone please explain to me how to remove temp and other unneeded files from my machine. I would like an explanation so I don't screw up my machine. I don't think fancy software is the solution, since I doubt that i would be able to safely use it and make decisions about it. Thanks.

If you don't trust software, here are a few things you can do to lighten up space safely.

+The files in your /WINDOWS/TEMP/ directory should usually all be safe to delete as long as you aren't installing anything at the time.

+You can clear out your Temporary Internet Files for Internet Explorer by going to Tools->Internet Options... then by clicking Delete Cookies... and Delete Files... you can delete your internet cache which will free up some space.

+You can uninstall any programs that you really don't need by going to your System Panel and then Add/Remove Programs.

Those are just a few ways, basically, besides uninstalling programs, deleting files, or clearing up your TEMP caches, there isn't much you can do to clear up space beyond that.

I wouldn't be too paranoid, most programs are safe to use in deleteing temporary type items. I recommend TuneUp Utilities 2004 for it. They are a german based company that have some really really useful tools. Also good for cleaning the junk out of the registry among another things.

 

[flavallee]

Click Start - Find - Files And Folders. Type in the following:

*.TMP

then click Find Now.

When the list of files appear, click Edit - Select All - File - Delete - Yes.

Repeat the steps for:

C:\TEMP\*.* (This folder is not present in all computer)

C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\*.*

Close the window.

All these files will remain in the Recycle Bin until you empty it.

If you want to delete more than temp files, read here.

 

[Dark Mage]

I remove .tmp files from command prompt:
C:\Windows\Temp
dir *.tmp
del *.tmp