Unsolved

This post is more than 5 years old

56 Posts

4075

January 20th, 2004 17:00

Temp folder

 It is suggested that all items( Under My computer, Windows, Temp forder) can be selected and deleted. I know that when I delete cookies I delete Some of  my pass words. It make me wonder what else am I deleting that I may not want to delete. I can click onto the properties of each folder  and see when it was created or size but I can't open. How do I read folders such as (5mf2a8cb or _is1305 ) I've input  these under (search - files or folders )and get the response ( nothing found).  My second Question is when or what functions causes these entries in the TEMP folder. Bottom line I want to feel comfortable about  what I'm deleting. Thank you for any response. Bud 

2 Intern

 • 

28K Posts

January 21st, 2004 03:00

In general any file that Windows or any other program running under Windows puts in the c:\windows\temp folder is meant to be temporary.  If programs makers follow the rules, then they should not ever put anything in that folder that is not meant to be temporary, and the programs should clear the files in the temporary folder when they exit.  The problem is that sometimes Windows or the program crashes before it is able to delete its temporary files.  When this happens, temporary files that should have been deleted remain in the temp folder, serving no useful purpose whatsoever.   Thus, it is generally safe to delete any files in the temp folder that are not currently in use by a program running on the computer.  If a file in the temp folder is being used, you will get an error message telling you that you cannot delete that file because it is in use. 

The bottom line is that it is a good idea to delete the files in the temp folder from time to time, the best time to delete these files is immediately after you boot and before any programs run that may put new files in the temp folder.  If you are still need some assurance, let the files you delete go to the recycle bin.  If you don't have any problems you can empty the recycle bin.  If you have problems you can restore the files from the recycle bin. 

I routinely delete all files in the temp folder and have never had any problems as a result.

Steve

56 Posts

January 21st, 2004 12:00

Thank you Steve. I will delete Temp folder items to the recycle bin and wait and see what happens.  Bud

Top