Deleting Temporary Files

Question

When I run Disk Cleanup and select Temporary Files for deletion nothing happens, at least nothing that I can detect.  I still have almost 1,900 old and new files in the Windows\Temp folder.  Does anybody have any idea why Disk Cleanup seems to be ineffective in removing Temp files?   Thanks.

Majestic · Answer

I can't explain why Disk Cleanup didn't get rid of them, but if it were me I would just use Windows Explorer to select and delete the files manually from the Windows/Temp directory.  If you happen to hit any active files that Windows is currently using such as Zone Alarm temp files, Windows will prevent you from deleting those.

jimmymac_4 · Answer

Hi, Go here to learn the reason why and what to do... http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-6346_11-5030772-2.html Jim NcNamara

barkupatree2002 · Answer

Thanks  Majestic.   I have begun deleting Temp files with no ill effects.

barkupatree2002 · Answer

Thanks jimmymac_4.   I have begun deleting Temp files with no ill effects.

barkupatree2002 · Answer

jimmymac_4   That's good to know.  I will be sure not to delete temporary files before rebooting after a new installation of software.   Thanks.

jimmymac_4 · Answer

Hi,

Just a word of caution. There is one particular circumstance in which you could experience ill-effects when deleting temporary files. Some installation procedures complete the install process at the next boot using temporary files stored in the C:\Windows\Temp directory (folder). If you delete a required file, the installation will not complete successfully ... just a thought.

Jim McNamara

Windows General

Deleting Temporary Files

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