Disk Clean-Up on XP won't work

Although disk cleanup may help, it sounds like you have other problems causing the PC to run slowly and until you get those other problems straightened out it may not have enough system resources to run cleanup.  But, even with a "fast" PC, cleanup can seem to take a long time.

First, what model PC do you have, how much RAM (memory) do you have?  Have you run spyware and antivirus scans?  Have you tried to run a disk defrag.  Do you hae anything else running when you run the disk cleanup?  

More info is really need.

If you are using Windows XP with only 128Mb of memory that is most likely the main issue with PC slowdown.  You really need MINIMUM of 256Mb and more is better.  With only 128Mb of memory the Operating System is taking most of that and not much left for applications. 

That is the first thing to consider doing - upgrading the memory.  The best place for Dells (Dells seem to be more sensitive to brands of memory) is to go to www.crucial.com and they have a selector to help you determine what you need for your specific model.

Funny you should mention that.  Just this past week, I have been looking to upgrade my memory size.  I believe that I have found, that the maximum memory for this computer is 1 GB.  There are two sockets.  Here is where I haven't been able to figure this info out....if I upgrade to two (2) 512 MB, would this be keeping it to my max allowed on my machine?  I haven't been able to find this info out, with the documentation (books) that I have.  I've changed a CD-drive myself, and installed a  USB port on the boys' old computer.  If I know, or can read, how to do it, I sure that I can manage!

My sons keep telling me that I need to add memory.  Looks like now would be a great time.

Hi Pinetree,

You are correct - if you upgrade to two (2) 512 MB, would this be keeping it to your max.  That is what I would do.

the memory that you need for your Dimension 2350 is 184-pin DIMM DDR PC2100 chips.  If you go to the main dell site and search for "install memory Dimension 2350", you can find a detailed diagram on how to install your memory.

For cleaning up your system, I wouldn't even bother with the Windows XP cleanup function.  Try ccleaner.  I have used numerous tools - some that do almost nothing, and some that clean too much.  This is the best system cleanup tool I have found for Windows XP (and it's free!).  It is very easy to use.  Be sure to create a system restore point before you run it - incase something doesn't work after cleaning.  I have been using it for a few months and have had no trouble at all.  Fee free to send me questions if you are unsure of how to use it.

http://www.ccleaner.com/
CCleaner is a freeware system optimization and privacy tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history. But the best part is that it's fast (normally taking less that a second to run) and contains NO Spyware or Adware! :)

Good Luck!

pinetreehill,

The fix for your disk cleanup problem is the little file here.

When shopping for additional memory, keep this source in mind.

Message Edited by Denny Denham on 09-12-2005 02:04 PM

Hi,

most of the time, it is the old compressed files that causes disk cleanup to hang. 

Opening Disk Cleanup takes a long time on NTFS-formatted drives because the system scans for compress old files, even though you probably don't want to compress old files. To disable the "Compress old files", first open the Registry Editor (click Start, Run and type regedit). Locate the key

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Volume Caches 

in the left hand panel. Delete the subkey of this key named Compress old files. Reboot the computer and run Disk Cleanup to see the result.

***check also your system for possible spywares.